Five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, will be without South African player Dewald Brevis in their opening match of IPL 2026 against Rajasthan Royals. Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that Brevis sustained a side strain during training, and the team hopes for his quick recovery. This adds to CSK’s injury concerns, with fast bowler Nathan Ellis already ruled out for the season and MS Dhoni expected to miss the initial two weeks due to a calf strain.
It has been reported that MS Dhoni did not travel with the team to Guwahati and is focusing on recovery in Chennai. Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson, who replaces Ellis, is set to join the squad on April 21 after dealing with a back stress fracture issue.
After a disappointing 2025 season finishing at the bottom of the table, CSK is aiming for a better performance in 2026. Dewald Brevis, who showcased promise last season with 225 runs in six innings, was expected to play a crucial role this year. With his absence, Australia’s Matt Short and debutants Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer might fill the gap in the middle order.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed opening alongside Sanju Samson, while Sarfaraz Khan and Urvil Patel could be middle-order options until Brevis is fit to play.
