2 min learnMar 30, 2026 11:01 AM IST
With an damage grappling him forward of Chennai Tremendous Kings’ IPL 2026 season opener, MS Dhoni has opted to not journey with the CSK squad to Guwahati, the place they are going to tackle Rajasthan Royals on Monday. Dhoni’s former India and CSK teammate, R Ashwin, discovered the transfer notably uncommon, at the same time as Dhoni is affected by a calf pressure.
The five-time champions CSK on Friday introduced that the 44-year-old Dhoni is prone to be out of motion for at the very least two weeks of the season after choosing up the damage within the pre-season camp. Whereas he normally travels with the squad, no matter his accidents, Dhoni has opted to remain put in Chennai.
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“That’s his private alternative, Mahi normally doesn’t do that. If he’s within the squad, he travels. Possibly he might need performed rehab additionally. However it’s his private alternative, how can we give our opinion on that call? However CSK’s fan base will certainly come for this recreation,” Ashwin mentioned on his YouTube channel.
With Dhoni out injured, India wicket-keeper Sanju Samson is prone to make his franchise debut whereas taking on the mantle behind the stumps. Whereas Samson has been primed to open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ashwin mentioned he’ll take into account transferring the previous to quantity three within the order.
“I’ll consider enjoying Sanju at No.3. However if in case you have already determined that Ruturaj and Samson will open, then you may take into consideration enjoying Sarfaraz Khan. There isn’t a want for Matthew Quick to play, however you by no means know. I’ve seen him bowl within the observe video games.
“So these guys can go in that route as effectively as a result of Quick has performed at No.5, or at No.3 at instances, and in addition offers you 4 overs. RR have Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Ravindra Jadeja, so CSK will want an off-spinner,” Ashwin concluded.