Published on: Mar 30, 2026 3:46 pm IST|Updated on: Mar 30, 2026 3:46 pm IST
Chennai Super Kings’ opening game of the Indian Premier League 2026 is seemingly not going according to plan. They first received a major blow when Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the entire tournament; now the five-time champions have received two more injury blows in the veteran CSK wicket-keeper batter, MS Dhoni, and their South African power player, Dewald Brevis. Both Dhoni and Brevis are set to miss the opening match against Rajasthan Royals.
CSK are scheduled to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign in Guwahati on March 30, but injuries to key players have already disrupted their preparations and forced the management to rethink combinations ahead of the crucial clash.
South African youngster Dewald Brevis, one of CSK’s most exciting overseas recruits, will miss the season opener after sustaining a side strain during training. The injury has ruled him out of the match against Rajasthan Royals and possibly the initial phase of the tournament.
Brevis, often dubbed as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket, was expected to play a key role in CSK’s middle order this season. His aggressive batting style and ability to accelerate in the middle overs made him a crucial component of the team’s revamped batting lineup.
The 22-year-old had impressed in previous franchise leagues and was retained by CSK for the 2026 season following his impactful performances in IPL 2025. His absence now leaves a significant void, especially with the team already dealing with other injury concerns.
With Brevis injured and unavailable for a brief period, Australian all-rounder Matthew Short, who remains the only other overseas top-order batting option, should fill in the void. Short is a prolific right-hand batter who can bat anywhere in the batting order and also can chip in with his right-arm offies as well.
Even before Brevis’ injury, CSK had already been hit by the absence of their talismanic figure, MS Dhoni. The former India captain is currently recovering from a calf strain and is expected to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026.
Dhoni’s absence is significant not just for his on-field contributions but also for his leadership and experience. The 44-year-old remains a central figure in the CSK setup, and his presence behind the stumps often plays a crucial role in guiding bowlers and managing pressure situations.
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According to team updates, Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation and is unlikely to be available for the opening set of matches, including the clash against the Rajasthan Royals.
While head coach Stephen Fleming has downplayed concerns, stating that Dhoni’s absence is temporary, the reality remains that CSK will have to navigate the early part of the season without one of their most influential players.
“It would be a game without him, but not a glimpse of life after MS Dhoni.” Fleming further said, “He is still heavily involved with the side. We are managing and rehabilitating his injury, but his influence on the team is very strong.”
The double setback has left CSK facing a challenging start to their IPL 2026 campaign. With both Dhoni and Brevis unavailable, the team management will need to rely heavily on their remaining core group.
The franchise has undergone a transition phase following a disappointing 2025 season, where they finished at the bottom of the table. As part of their rebuilding strategy, CSK brought in new faces and made bold squad changes, including acquiring players like Sanju Samson ahead of the new season.
Samson is expected to take on additional responsibilities of donning the wicket-keeping gloves in Dhoni’s absence and contributing significantly with the bat. His experience in leading IPL sides could also prove valuable as CSK look to maintain stability in the early matches.
The absence of two key players forces CSK to reassess their team balance ahead of the opener. Brevis’ aggressive batting provided flexibility in the middle overs, allowing the team to accelerate when needed. Without him, CSK may have to rely on Indian batters or adjust their overseas combination.
Additionally, Dhoni’s absence affects not just the playing XI but also the tactical approach. His game awareness and decision-making have long been considered vital to CSK’s success, particularly in tight situations. The team’s bowling unit has also been affected, with earlier reports confirming injuries to players like Nathan Ellis, who is already ruled out of the tournament, further complicating selection decisions.
Tags: IPL 2026