Why MS Dhoni Not Playing Today: Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings are clashing in the 7th match of IPL 2026 tournament. Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first. But at the time of the toss, everyone’s eyes were on CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, because everyone wanted to know whether Dhoni will play today’s match or not.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad told that there has been a change in his team. Prashant Veer has been included in the playing eleven in place of Matthew Short. But MS Dhoni will not play in this match. Dhoni did not even play the first match against Rajasthan Royals. Know here why Dhoni is not playing in the match against Punjab Kings today.

Why is MS Dhoni not playing?

Former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni was injured while practicing before the start of IPL 2026. CSK had issued an official statement saying that Dhoni has suffered a calf injury, due to which he may stay away from action for at least 2 weeks. Due to this injury, MS Dhoni is not playing in the Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings match today.

MS Dhoni played his last match in IPL till now on 25 May 2025. Dhoni has not yet got the opportunity to play in IPL 2026. He could not even play in the match against Rajasthan Royals.

CSK hopes for better performance

Chennai Super Kings had to face a big defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the first match. From Sanju Samson to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dubey were also flops, as a result the entire team was reduced to 127 runs. When it came to defending the small score, Rajasthan Royals chased the target in just 12.1 overs.