IPL 2026: CSK’s Heavy Loss Exposes MS Dhoni Void Amid Growing ‘Internal Buzz’

It seems all is not well with the Chennai Super Kings. Otherwise, how can one explain a slightly calf muscle-affected MS Dhoni not being part of the CSK setup despite being a senior pro?

With Dhoni unhappy about Ravindra Jadeja being allowed to be traded instead of opting for a direct cash deal to acquire Sanju Samson, sources told MyKhel that there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Sources said that the injury is indeed there, but it is unlikely to keep MS Dhoni out for as long as two weeks. "There is something that has irked Dhoni," a source revealed.

It has also come as a surprise to many who have seen Dhoni play through injuries across multiple seasons of IPL- that this time, he has chosen not even to travel with the Chennai Super Kings squad, let alone take the field.

Chennai's humiliating loss to Rajasthan Royals on Sunday has further raised questions over their new-look setup - and just how badly the absence of MS Dhoni was felt.

Interestingly, the official involved in the proposed Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson trade continues to remain with the team. "There is something cooking inside for sure," the source added.