CSK Names Dhoni’s Replacement; Jadeja’s INR 14.2 Crore Sub in Impact List
Chennai Super Kings revealed their XI for the IPL 2026 opener without MS Dhoni. He is sidelined with a calf injury and is expected to return towards the end of next month.
Ruturaj Gaikwad led the side out for the toss at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. The match was against Rajasthan Royals.
Replacement and matchday XI
In the announced XI, CSK Names Dhoni’s Replacement as Kartik Sharma. The youngster was acquired at last December’s auction for INR 14.2 crore.
Kartik earned a reputation for big hitting during the recent domestic season. Dhoni picked up the injury during pre-season training and did not travel with the squad.
Context and record without Dhoni
This is the first time in seven years CSK have fielded an XI without Dhoni. The previous instance was in 2019 against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk.
Overall, it marks only the sixth occasion Chennai have played without him in the IPL. The side have lost four of their last five matches without Dhoni, with a lone win coming versus Delhi Capitals in 2010.
Wicketkeeping and trades
Sanju Samson will assume wicketkeeping duties after a high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the move.
The change alters the team’s balance and duties behind the stumps. Samson’s arrival follows the club’s recent roster reshuffle.
Jadeja exit and the new signing
Chennai parted ways with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in a trade with Rajasthan. They then signed Prashant Veer at the auction for INR 14.2 crore.
Jadeja’s INR 14.2 Crore Sub in Impact List saw Prashant Veer included among the matchday replacements. The 20-year-old had impressed in the UP T20 League 2025 for Noida Super Kings.
He scored 320 runs in 10 innings at an average of 64 and a strike rate above 155. He also took eight wickets at an economy of 6.69.
Impact Sub status
For the Rajasthan game, Prashant was named in the Impact Sub list. Other names in the list included Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Chahar, Gurjapneet Singh and Ramakrishna Ghosh.
As things stand, Prashant may not get an opportunity to feature in the match. The matchday plan leaves him as a reserve option.
Squad balance and tactical options
The selected XI offers seven bowling options, with Noor Ahmad slotted at No.8. That provides flexibility if CSK bat first in the game.
If there is a batting collapse, Sarfaraz Khan could be introduced as the Impact Player. The combination will test CSK’s depth early in the season.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and selection changes as the tournament progresses. The coming weeks will show how these roster moves affect CSK’s campaign.
