The Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings clash at Wankhede Stadium has unfolded without Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni on the field.
The two titans who have defined this El Clásico for over a decade are battling injuries, Rohit with a hamstring strain that has sidelined him for recent games, and Dhoni nursing a calf issue that has kept him out for much of the season.
MI vs CSK: No Rohit, No Dhoni
In a first for IPL history, the high-voltage MI vs CSK encounter on April 23, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium is underway without both Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni. Rohit misses his third consecutive game due to a lingering hamstring injury, while Dhoni continues to sit out with a calf strain, having not featured this season yet.
Have MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma missed MI vs CSK clash before?
Rohit and Dhoni have been the heartbeat of MI and CSK since Rohit assumed
captaincy in 2013. Between them, they have led their sides in 39 head-to-head IPL encounters, delivering nail-biters, four finals, and countless unforgettable moments. Dhoni has missed just five CSK matches in over 250 appearances, while Rohit's own absences have been equally rare.
The only time Dhoni sat out an MI clash was April 26, 2019, in Chennai due to fever. Rohit starred with a match-winning 67 off 48 balls. Records show no instance of both legends missing the same MI vs CSK fixture. Tonight has witnessed a historic first as both players are in the sidelines.
When will Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni return to Action?
MS Dhoni is close to returning to action and the upcoming match against the Gujarat Titans on April 26 is a likely date. The former India captain has been deemed fit and looks likely to play soon. For Rohit Sharma, the question continues to linger. There's no clear update on the MI star and it is to be seen when he takes the bat again for Paltans.
