Dhoni misses CSK IPL 2026 opener, rare absence shocks fans

Dhoni will sit out CSK's IPL 2026 opener against Rajasthan Royals at Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, a rare moment for a player who has been a constant presence for the franchise since the league began in 2008. The decision means the wicketkeeper-batsman will miss a CSK match for the sixth time in IPL history, a figure that underscores how infrequently he has been unavailable over the years.

Dhoni's absence will shift attention to the rest of the CSK squad as they kick off the season on a high note after recent title-winning campaigns in 2021 and 2023 and a perfect run in 2025 where he featured in all 14 matches. The last time Dhoni did not feature in a CSK game was in 2019, when fever kept him out of the April 26 clash with Mumbai Indians at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, with Suresh Raina captaining in his stead. Earlier that season, a back spasm kept him out of the April 17 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Across his IPL career, he has missed only five matches — a testament to his durability and central role for CSK.

Since 2020, Dhoni has been on the field whenever available, leading CSK to two more titles and continuing a remarkable run of consistency. The 2016 and 2017 seasons, when CSK were suspended from the IPL, are the only periods when Dhoni played elsewhere during CSK's absence. The Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati will host the season opener, and fans will be watching closely to see who steps up to fill the void left by the captain's absence.

CSK's opener marks the start of a new chapter for a franchise known for its stability and spine under Dhoni, and this moment will test the team's depth and leadership under pressure. As the crowd roars in the stands, all eyes will be on how CSK adapt without their long-time leader, and what this signal could mean for the rest of IPL 2026.

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