India, March 29 -- MS Dhoni, widely expected to play his final season in the Indian Premier League after a journey that began in 2008, is reportedly set to miss the first six matches for Chennai Super Kings in the 2026 edition. The 44-year-old, whose workload has been carefully managed in recent seasons due to persistent fitness concerns, is likely to remain sidelined until the end of April.

According to a report in The Times of India, Dhoni, who had begun preparations for the season nearly a month ago, sustained a calf strain during training. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for at least three weeks, with a possible return pencilled in for the final week of April, subject to recovery.

Dhoni's absence, while significant,...