Amid the big clash between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati today 30 March, MS Dhoni is unavailable for the first two weeks of IPL 2026 as he undergoes rehabilitation after sustaining an injury. Dewald Brevis is also likely to miss the initial matches, while Nathan Ellis has already been ruled out of the season in the CSK camp. With these setbacks, Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad will have a huge responsibility to guide CSK as they aim to secure their first win in today’s clash against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. “Sanju will keep wickets in the absence of Thala,” said the CSK CEO.

The players who can replace MS Dhoni in the playing XI –
Kartik Sharma provides a specialist wicketkeeping alternative for CSK. An uncapped 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter bought for ₹14.20 crore, he represents a future-facing investment, giving the franchise the option to test a young, aggressive player in high-pressure match situations. In the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 334 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 164, including 28 sixes, showing he is ready to feature for CSK.

Urvil Patel brings a high strike rate and an attacking mindset, making him a strong backup option who can step in and replicate MS Dhoni’s impact with aggressive intent in short bursts. He played three matches for CSK last year, scoring 68 runs at a blistering strike rate of 212.50. He could be a strong option in the middle order too and also provides value as a wicketkeeper.

Sarfaraz Khan can step into MS Dhoni’s stabilising role, especially on slower pitches and during pressure chases. Bought by Chennai Super Kings for ₹75 lakh, his temperament makes him a dependable option when control is needed over aggression. In the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he impressed with 329 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 203.09, including 19 sixes, making him a strong candidate to replace Dhoni in the playing XI.

Prashant Veer, another ₹14.20 crore uncapped signing, can provide late-innings momentum for CSK. He can be a like-for-like player to Ravindra Jadeja with his all-round abilities. He scored 112 runs at a strike rate of 169.69 in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while also claiming nine wickets.

In the absence of MS Dhoni, who has missed just five games for Chennai Super Kings in his IPL career, Shivam Dube will have a huge responsibility, as he is the most experienced player in the middle order and is expected to take over the crucial finisher’s role for CSK. The form he carried from the recent T20 World Cup in India further strengthens CSK’s belief in him to play a big role.

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TOPICS: CSK IPL MS Dhoni