Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got huge confidence ahead of their first home match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Middle-order batsmen Dewald Brevis and MS Dhoni, who were ruled out of their season opener, returned to the practice nets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Dhoni missed the opening match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to a severe calf strain. The wicketkeeper-batsman did not accompany the team to Guwahati after CSK confirmed that he would be out for two weeks. Brevis missed the opener due to a side strain, leaving CSK’s middle order fragile and inexperienced.
Ahead of their crucial match in Chepauk, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was reluctant to comment on both the players. When Gaikwad was asked specifically about Dewald Brevis during the pre-match press conference, he admitted that he had no update.
However, according to a report in Cricbuzz, Brewis batted in a separate net facility without any physical discomfort during the practice session.
“He has been discharged today, so I am not really sure. Yesterday, we had no conversation,” Gaikwad said.
When questioned about MS Dhoni’s rehabilitation progress, Gaikwad laughed and said that an official medical update will come around the 13th day of his recovery period. Dhoni went out and hit several throwdowns deep into the stands.
CSK struggle without MS Dhoni and Dewald Brewis in IPL 2026 opener
The dependence on MS Dhoni was evident during their opening defeat. Chennai Super Kings lost against Rajasthan Royals and could only score 127 runs. Without their experienced finisher, the middle-order crumbled under pressure against the Royals.
In the absence of Dewald Brevis, Chennai Super Kings have given Australia all-rounder Matthew Short the no.4 slot. He brought in middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan as an impact player after the early collapse of the top order.
Sanju Samson took over the primary wicketkeeping duties, while young keeper Karthik Sharma made his IPL debut. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Samson opened the innings, while Ayush Mhatre, who opened last season, batted at the No. 3 position.
All eyes on MS Dhoni’s availability ahead of PBKS clash
All eyes are on the upcoming match against Punjab Kings, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 3. The possibility of MS Dhoni joining the playing eleven remains the biggest topic of discussion. However, the management will remain cautious as recalling a senior player early from a calf injury risks worsening the situation.
Chennai Super Kings have another match immediately after the Punjab Kings match. They will soon travel to face the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore.
This much-awaited clash will take place on Sunday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The five-time IPL champions will need to manage their workload carefully to keep injured players fit.
Also Read: CSK vs PBKS Match 7: Free Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Weather Report, Playing XI, Head-to-Head and Match Preview – IPL 2026
