MS Dhoni Ruled Out of IPL 2026 Due to Thumb Injury

Reyaansh Bansal · 18/05/2026 · 2 min read

MS Dhoni Sidelined with Thumb Injury, IPL 2026 Participation Ruled Out

Disappointing news has emerged for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans as MS Dhoni, the team’s iconic leader, has been ruled out of the ongoing IPL 2026 season due to a thumb injury.

The legendary cricketer was expected to make his first appearance of the season on Monday, May 18, when CSK hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a crucial clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, according to recent updates, Dhoni’s injury will keep him from taking the field.

Dhoni to Miss SRH Clash, May Return in 2027

A journalist from Revsportz reported that MS Dhoni has suffered a fresh injury to his thumb, which will not only keep him out of the SRH match but also the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. The CSK icon is, however, expected to make a return in yellow next season, offering some hope to the team’s loyal fan base.

Although Dhoni will not be playing, he is expected to be present at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to show his support for the team and connect with the fans. As shared by the journalist, Dhoni’s presence at the stadium is a gesture to the Chennai fans, but the chances of him playing the match are slim to none due to the thumb injury.

Future Prospects

The news of Dhoni’s injury is undoubtedly a setback for CSK, but the possibility of his return in the 2027 season provides a silver lining. Fans can look forward to seeing the legendary cricketer back in action, leading the team with his characteristic flair and strategic brilliance.

As the IPL 2026 season progresses, CSK will need to find ways to compensate for Dhoni’s absence and work towards securing a spot in the playoffs. The team’s performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their fate in the tournament.

Reyaansh Bansal

Reyaansh Bansal is the digital cricket content lead for ESPNcricinfo, where he masters the art of making cricket irresistible on phones, feeds, and timelines. A Mumbai University media graduate, Bansal began his career in sports radio but quickly pivoted to the digital space, recognising that the future of cricket fandom was being shaped on Twitter threads, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. He now leads a creative team that produces viral match recaps, player quizzes, and data‑driven infographics for millions of followers. Bansal’s unique skill is decoding complex match situations into shareable, witty formats without losing the sport’s essence. His work has been praised by current players, broadcasters, and cricket boards for bringing new, younger audiences to the game.