Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set for a historic moment as they take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. For the first time in IPL history, CSK will field a playing XI without any of their iconic trio — MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, or Ravindra Jadeja.
While Raina had already stepped away from the league in 2022, Dhoni’s absence due to a calf injury and Jadeja’s move to Rajasthan Royals mark a symbolic transition phase for the franchise. Dhoni is expected to miss at least the first two weeks of IPL 2026, leaving a massive void in both leadership and experience.
This fixture signals the gradual end of an era that defined CSK’s dominance in the IPL. Alongside stalwarts like Ravichandran Ashwin and Murali Vijay, the trio played a pivotal role in shaping CSK into one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history.
Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK reached a record 10 IPL finals and qualified for the playoffs 12 times. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter also boasts over 5,000 runs and more than 200 dismissals, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s greatest finishers.
Raina, fondly known as “Chinna Thala,” was the backbone of CSK’s batting for years and became the first player to cross 5,000 IPL runs, while also contributing immensely in the field.
Jadeja, meanwhile, carved out a legacy of his own by becoming the first player in IPL history to achieve the unique double of 1,000 runs, 100 wickets, and 100 catches. His match-winning cameo in the 2023 final remains etched in CSK folklore.
With a new-look squad and fresh faces stepping up, CSK now begin a new chapter — one that looks to build on the legacy while preparing for the future.
