Chennai: Chennai franchise Chennai Super Kings has suffered a fresh injury setback ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, with Dewald Brevis set to miss the opening matches of the tournament.

Brevis has reportedly been ruled out of the first two to three games due to a side strain, dealing a blow to CSK’s middle order at a crucial stage of the competition.

Multiple injury concerns for CSK

The development adds to the challenges already faced by the team, which will also be without veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni for at least the initial phase of the tournament due to a calf strain sustained during training.

In another setback, Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the entire season with a hamstring injury. He has been replaced in the squad by Spencer Johnson.

These absences leave CSK short on both experience and firepower as they prepare to begin their campaign.

Brevis’ absence weakens middle order

Brevis had been retained for ₹2.20 crore following an impressive previous season, where he scored 225 runs in six matches at an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 180.

The South African batter also featured in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scoring 207 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 146.80 for the South Africa national cricket team.

His absence in the early matches is expected to impact CSK’s ability to maintain momentum in the middle overs.

New leadership and combinations

Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK will look to overcome these challenges and find the right team balance.

The side is expected to experiment with a new opening combination, with Gaikwad likely to partner Sanju Samson, who joined the franchise through a high-profile trade deal involving other players.

With key players unavailable, the team management will need to make strategic adjustments to maintain competitiveness.

Season opener against Rajasthan Royals

CSK is scheduled to begin its IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The team will be aiming for a strong start despite the setbacks, especially after a disappointing previous season where they finished at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches.

Conclusion

With multiple injuries affecting key players, CSK faces an early test of squad depth and resilience. How quickly the team adapts to these challenges could play a crucial role in shaping their campaign in IPL 2026.