CSK playing without MS Dhoni or Suresh Raina for first time in history

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals today is the first instance of them playing without MS Dhoni or Suresh Raina. CSK had played all of their 277 matches in a row with either Dhoni or Raina in the playing XI. Dhoni has been officially ruled out of IPL for at least two weeks due to injury.