Why is MS Dhoni not playing today’s RR vs CSK IPL 2026 match?

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 kickstarting with a bang and seeing two blockbuster clashes so far, in the third match, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are locking horns with the inaugural title winners, Rajasthan Royals (RR), in Guwahati. Rajasthan comes into the match after a recent acquisition by a consortium led by US entrepreneur Kal Somani. Meanwhile, the Yellow Army will be looking to kickstart their campaign under some new changes on their side.

MS Dhoni out with injury

But the Chennai-based franchise has also been handed a couple of jolts as they will miss veteran wicketkeeper-batter and former captain MS Dhoni, who suffered a calf strain during a training session on March 22.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni hasn’t travelled with the team to Guwahati. “He picked up a calf injury during out training on March 22. He will be out for two weeks or so. He hasn’t traveled with the team and is recuperating in Chennai. His absence is a blow,” Kasi said while speaking to RevSportz.

However, reports suggest that Dhoni will be out for longer. Instead of four matches, the veteran wicketkeeper is expected to miss at least 6 matches. This suggests his return to the IPL could be against the Mumbai Indians on April 23 in Mumbai.

Sanju Samson to keep wickets in CSK vs RR match

Sanju Samson, who has been the talk in the camp after his trade, will be seen making his CSK debut on March 30. The CSK CEO also confirmed that Samson will be keeping the wickets since Dhoni is out with an injury.

In his conversation with RevSportz, Kasi said, “Obviously, Sanju will be keeping because MS Dhoni is not going to play. Of course, we will be missing the advice of Dhoni during the matches. Sanju Samson’s form is great, and he is knocking well in the nets.”

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