Chennai Super Kings have been dealt an early setback ahead of their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign, with Dewald Brevis ruled out of their opening match against Rajasthan Royals due to a side strain.
Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the development, stating that the young batter sustained the injury during training and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
“Brevis is out. He had a side injury during training. So again, he is rehabbing. CSK is hopeful he will be fit again soon,” Fleming said at the pre-match press conference in Guwahati.
Brevis’ absence adds to CSK’s growing injury concerns. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has already been ruled out of the season, while former captain MS Dhoni is expected to miss the first two weeks due to a calf strain.
Dhoni has reportedly stayed back in Chennai to focus on his recovery and has not travelled with the squad. Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson—named as Ellis’ replacement—is set to join the team only on April 21 as he continues to recover from a back stress fracture.
Despite the setbacks, Fleming expressed confidence in the squad’s depth.
“We have big enough squads to cover it… It’s just part of modern-day cricket. There is so much going on and so many demands on these players that injuries are inevitable,” he added.
CSK will be particularly disappointed to miss Brevis, who impressed during IPL 2025 after joining as a replacement player. The South African scored 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180, including 17 sixes, and was expected to play a key role in the middle order this season.
In his absence, Australia’s Matt Short could slot into the XI, while uncapped players Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer are also in contention for debuts.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed he will open the innings alongside Sanju Samson, with Ayush Mhatre likely to bat at No. 3. The middle order could feature options such as Sarfaraz Khan and Urvil Patel as CSK look to manage their early-season injury crisis.
After finishing bottom of the table in 2025 with just four wins, CSK will be eager to turn things around as they begin their IPL 2026 campaign.