NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings are dealing with the absence of MS Dhoni during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, as the veteran has been ruled out for the first two weeks due to a calf strain. On Friday, PBKS won the toss and decided to bowl first in Chepauk.The team had a tough start to the season, suffering a heavy loss in their opening match, raising concerns about their performance without him.
Head coach Stephen Fleming earlier made it clear that while Dhoni is not on the field, his presence is still strongly felt. “It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong,” Fleming told reporters ahead of the Punjab game. Despite this, the team’s first outing without Dhoni in the playing XI did not go well.CSK are now trying to regroup under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, with a mix of young and experienced players. Fleming highlighted the team’s approach, saying, “We have invested in youth and Indian talent, and there is real energy in the group. The first game is always a good barometer, and we are focused on starting well.”
CSK team updates
The team is also missing South African batter Dewald Brevis, who is currently recovering from injury. Fleming provided an update: “Yes, Brevis is out and is currently rehabbing. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before he returns.”While Dhoni’s absence is a big blow, CSK are relying on their squad depth and internal leadership to bounce back. His off-field involvement continues to guide the team, but how quickly they adjust without him on the pitch will be key to their campaign.
CSK vs PBKS Playing XIs:
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra ChahalChennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
