Mumbai, March 28: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are jointly recognized as the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), each having won the title five times. However, IPL 2026 will mark the first time that the legendary trio of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja will not be playing together for CSK.
Since its inception in 2008, CSK clinched its first title in 2010, followed by victories in 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, all under the captaincy of Dhoni. Raina, known for his explosive batting, played a crucial role in four of these championships (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021), while Jadeja contributed significantly with his all-round performance in three titles (2018, 2021, 2023).
As IPL 2026 approaches, it has been confirmed that none of these three champions will be part of CSK. Suresh Raina, affectionately known as “Chinna Thala,” joined CSK in 2008 and played his last season in 2021, the year CSK won the championship. Following that season, Raina’s IPL career came to an end as he parted ways with the team.
Ravindra Jadeja, who joined CSK in 2012, played his final season with the team in 2025. The all-rounder, known as “Sir Jadeja,” had an unforgettable moment in the IPL 2023 final, hitting a four and a six in the last two balls to secure the championship. Before IPL 2026, CSK traded Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Sanju Samson, thus ending his journey with CSK as well.
After Raina and Jadeja, Dhoni remains the only player who has been part of all five championship victories for CSK. Although it was expected that Dhoni would participate in IPL 2026, CSK management confirmed on Saturday that he will miss the first two weeks of the season due to injury, meaning he will be unavailable for at least four to five matches.
This will be the first time since 2010 that CSK will play an opening match without the trio of Raina, Jadeja, and Dhoni. Notably, CSK faced a two-season ban in 2015 and 2016, during which Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant, while Raina and Jadeja were part of Gujarat Lions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
