India, April 6 -- Why has IPL 2026 failed to deliver so far?

Say what you will, the Indian Premier League doesn't feel the same this year. There is no real energy around matches. At best, it's just been passable so far, 11 matches into the season. Why though? There could be multiple reasons, but one that could be right at the top is the absence of MS Dhoni and other players.

Like him or dislike him, there is no doubt that the former India captain continues to be a fan favourite today. Despite retiring from international cricket six years ago, he continues to be a crowd puller. What he does with his bat or gloves is irrelevant now. He just has to be on the field. Sadly for fans, Dhoni picked up a calf injury days before the season got un...