Dewald Brevis sidelined as CSK face fresh injury setbacks

Chennai Super Kings will open their IPL 2026 campaign without Dewald Brevis, who has been ruled out of Monday’s clash against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati due to a side strain suffered in training. Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the setback, though Brevis took part in light drills on Sunday as part of his rehabilitation. His availability for Friday’s home game against Punjab Kings remains uncertain, but the franchise hopes for a quick recovery.

The blow comes just as MS Dhoni deals with a calf strain expected to sideline him for the first two weeks; he has not travelled with the squad. CSK are also without seamer Nathan Ellis, already ruled out with a hamstring injury, while replacement Spencer Johnson is recovering from a back stress issue and will join later in April. Brevis, signed mid‑season last year, was a rare bright spot in 2025, scoring 225 runs at a strike‑rate of 180.