The news of MS Dhoni missing the first phase of IPL 2026 has come as a massive shock for cricket fans. The legendary Chennai Super Kings captain, known for his incredible fitness and consistency, is set
to miss the opening games due to a calf injury—something extremely rare in his IPL career.
What makes this development even more remarkable is Dhoni’s outstanding availability record over the years. Before this injury setback, Dhoni had missed only five matches in 18 IPL seasons, making him one of the most dependable players in the history of the Indian Premier League.
List of Matches MS Dhoni Missed in IPL (Before 2026)
Here are the only five matches that Dhoni missed prior to IPL 2026:
- vs Delhi Daredevils – 2010 (Delhi)
- vs Kings XI Punjab – 2010 (Chennai)
- vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 2010 (Bengaluru)
- vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2019 (Hyderabad)
- vs Mumbai Indians – 2019 (Chennai)
Interestingly, three of these absences came in the 2010 season, while the remaining two occurred in 2019 due to minor fitness concerns. Despite these rare setbacks, Dhoni has maintained an extraordinary presence in the league.
A Benchmark of Fitness and Longevity
In a tournament as demanding as the IPL, where injuries and workload management often sideline players, Dhoni’s record stands out. Having played over 250 matches, he has been the backbone of Chennai Super Kings for nearly two decades.
His consistency, leadership, and ability to deliver under pressure have made him one of the most iconic players in IPL history.
IPL 2026: A Rare Setback for Dhoni
However, IPL 2026 marks a significant shift. For the first time in his career, Dhoni is expected to miss around five matches at the start of a season due to a calf injury.
This could potentially double his total missed matches tally in a single season—something unimaginable given his past record.
Big Blow for Chennai Super Kings
Dhoni’s absence is not just about missing a player—it’s about losing a leader. His calm presence, tactical brilliance, and finishing ability make him irreplaceable.
As Chennai Super Kings begin their IPL 2026 campaign without their talisman, fans will be hoping for his quick return. Until then, it will be a rare sight to see CSK take the field without MS Dhoni leading from the front.
