Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take the field tonight at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium without their talismanic former captain, MS Dhoni. As Match 7 of the IPL 2026 season against Punjab Kings (PBKS) gets underway, fans have been left asking why the 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is missing from the team sheet. You can follow CSK vs PBKS IPL 2026 live scorecard here.

Why is MS Dhoni Not Playing in CSK vs PBKS IPL 2026 Match?

The primary reason for Dhoni's absence is a calf strain sustained during a training session in late March. The injury originally ruled him out for the first two weeks of the tournament. While recent social media footage showed Thala returning to light training and hitting trademark sixes in the nets at Chepauk, the team management has opted for a cautious approach to his workload.

Medical experts and team sources indicate that Dhoni is likely to remain sidelined until the final week of April. Given his age and the physical demands of wicketkeeping, the CSK hierarchy is prioritising his long-term fitness for the latter half of the season rather than risking a premature return. Impact Subs in Today's IPL Match for Chennai Kings vs Punjab Kings.

In Dhoni's absence, the gloves have been handed to Sanju Samson, who joined the franchise in a high-profile move from Rajasthan Royals. Samson is also opening the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, marking a significant shift in CSK’s tactical structure.

The Dhoni-less era has gotten off to a challenging start for the five-time champions. Following a heavy defeat to Rajasthan Royals in their season opener, the team is relying on a younger core, including Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, to fill the void in the lower-middle order typically occupied by the veteran finisher.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2026 07:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).