Why MS Dhoni will not play CSK vs RCB match in IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, fresh off a win, face a struggling Chennai Super Kings in a southern derby. CSK's woes are compounded by the absence of MS Dhoni, who is sidelined for the first two weeks with a calf strain. Despite his physical absence, head coach Stephen Fleming insists Dhoni's influence on the team remains strong.
NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are riding high on confidence after kicking off their IPL 2026 campaign with a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Now, an exciting southern derby between RCB and Chennai Super Kings is on the cards - undoubtedly a marquee clash. While RCB head into the contest on the back of a victory, CSK arrive with two consecutive defeats, against Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
Are CSK missing Mahendra Singh Dhoni? Is his absence hurting the side after losses in their first two matches of the tournament? The wait for Dhoni will continue.
He will not feature in the playing XI against RCB either. Why MS Dhoni will not play vs RCB? Dhoni has been ruled out for the first two weeks due to a calf strain.
"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala," CSK shared on social media ahead of their opening match against Rajasthan Royals.