The start of IPL 2026 has delivered a huge setback for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, as veteran icon MS Dhoni is set to miss a significant portion of the tournament. The 44-year-old has been ruled out of at least six matches due to a calf strain, leaving a noticeable void in the team’s setup.

The injury reportedly occurred during a training session, where Dhoni was seen limping – an early sign that something wasn’t quite right. Those concerns were later confirmed when CSK released an official update stating that Dhoni is “currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain” and will miss the opening phase of the season.

To make matters more concerning, Dhoni did not travel with the squad for their opening fixture against Rajasthan Royals (R) in Guwahati. Instead, he has remained in Chennai to focus entirely on recovery. A senior CSK official summed up the situation, saying, “It is definitely a big blow for us and we’ll have to deal with it. He is taking rest and we want him back as soon as possible.”

This absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for CSK, especially after their disappointing IPL 2025 campaign where they finished at the bottom of the table. With a fresh season offering a chance at redemption, losing their most experienced leader – even temporarily – adds pressure on the squad right from the start.

MS Dhoni’s comeback date and matches he will miss

The big question on every fan’s mind is simple – when will Dhoni return? As per multiple reports, his expected comeback is likely to be in the last week of April 2026. The most anticipated return date is April 23, when CSK face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. However, team insiders suggest that even this timeline isn’t guaranteed, and his return could be pushed further depending on recovery progress.

For now, Dhoni is expected to miss the following six matches:

vs Rajasthan Royals – March 30
vs Punjab Kings – April 3
vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – April 5
vs Delhi Capitals – April 11
vs Kolkata Knight Riders – April 14
vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – April 18

There’s also a possibility that he could miss the high-profile clash against Mumbai Indians if his recovery takes longer than expected.

While the official statement mentions a two-week absence, behind-the-scenes updates indicate a slightly longer recovery window. Given Dhoni’s age and history of injuries – including knee surgery after IPL 2023 – the franchise appears cautious about rushing him back.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts CSK’s top batter in IPL 2026

Who will step up in Dhoni’s absence?

CSK, however, isn’t walking into this situation unprepared. The franchise had already strengthened its squad ahead of IPL 2026, and Dhoni’s absence will now test that depth.

Sanju Samson is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties and could also open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson’s experience and aggressive style make him a natural fit to fill part of the void.

Other options in the squad include Kartik Sharma and Urvil Patel, both capable of delivering impactful performances. In the lower middle order, players like Prashant Veer are expected to provide the finishing power that Dhoni has been known for over the years.

Still, replacing Dhoni isn’t just about skills – it’s about leadership, calmness under pressure, and unmatched game awareness. His absence will be felt not just behind the stumps, but also in crunch moments where his decision-making often proves decisive.

Dhoni’s absence shifts the spotlight firmly onto CSK’s core group. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to lead from the front, while the coaching staff, led by Stephen Fleming, will play a crucial role in maintaining team balance and morale.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Who is Prashant Veer? The ‘next Ravindra Jadeja’ for CSK

NEW DELHI: India remains among the countries with the highest number of maternal deaths globally, a major study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health has found, with progress slowing down post 2015 after years of rapid decline.Around 2.4 lakh women died globally in 2023 due to pregnancy and childbirth-related causes, the study estimates. India accounted for about 24,700 of the 2.4 lakh deaths, placing it among the highest-burden countries alongside Nigeria, Pakistan and Ethiopia.India’s long-term numbers reflect both progress and persistent gaps. Maternal deaths fell sharply from about 1.19 lakh in 1990 to 36,900 in 2015 and further to 24,700 in 2023. And the maternal mortality ratio declined from 508 in 1990 to 116 per one lakh live births in 2023, indicating substantial gains but also unfinished work.

Deaths Continue To Be Driven By Largely Preventable Causes, Says Study Published In The Lancet

“Maternal mortality has declined significantly since 1990 due to better awareness, institutional deliveries and govt programmes, although progress remains uneven across states, with some like Kerala and Tamil Nadu nearing global targets while others such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh continue to report higher maternal mortality,” said Dr Abha Majumdar, director, Centre of IVF & Human Reproduction, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.The steepest decline happened between 2000 and 2015, driven by expanded institutional deliveries, improved antenatal care and wider public health interventions. However, the pace has slowed down in recent years, pointing to systemic challenges that are harder to address.The study points to a persistent pattern in India, where deaths continue to be driven by largely preventable causes such as haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections and complications linked to pre-existing conditions. Delays in receiving care, gaps in quality of services and uneven access across regions remain key concerns.Globally, the maternal mortality ratio stood at 190 deaths per one lakh live births in 2023, still far above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70. More than half of the countries have not reached this level yet. Researchers also flagged the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted maternal health services and contributed to additional deaths in several regions during peak years.Experts say the findings underline the need for India to sustain gains in maternal health, strengthen public health systems and improve quality of care, particularly for high-risk pregnancies and underserved populations. With progress slowing down and risks persisting, the study warns that without renewed focus, countries may fall short of the 2030 goal of making childbirth safer for all women.