MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis both are close to making their IPL 2026 season debut. CSK have lost their first three games, and the team has clearly missed experience and stability in the middle order.
Dhoni has been out due to a calf strain from pre-season training, which ruled him out for the first two weeks. Now, he is back in the nets and looks comfortable while batting, playing shots freely without any visible pain. The team is still being careful though, and he will need to pass a final fitness test before he can play. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has said Dhoni is on track and eager to return.
Brevis, known as “Baby AB,” also missed the first three games because of a side strain. He has been training regularly, facing throwdowns and doing fielding drills without issues. Coach Stephen Fleming said his absence was a big loss. But the recent break between matches has helped his recovery, and he is close to full fitness. If he plays, Brevis is expected to come straight into the middle order and add aggressive batting, something CSK lacked in their last game.
Both players are targeting the match against Delhi Capitals on April 11 at home. If both players return against Delhi Capitals, it could change the momentum for CSK, especially after a poor start to the season.
CSK Await MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis Return After Injury Setbacks in IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings’ slow start in IPL-26 has a lot to do with the absence of Dhoni and Brevis. Both of whom were ruled out due to injuries before the season began.
Dhoni missed the opening matches because of a calf strain he picked up during pre-season net practice. This injury kept him out for at least the first two weeks. His absence was felt not just in batting but also in leadership and finishing games. Former player Robin Uthappa even suggested it could be a long-term issue, possibly linked to past injuries. Now, Dhoni has started light practice again and is expected to take a fitness test. If he passes, he could return against Delhi Capitals on April 11.
Brevis, often called “Baby AB,” was out with a side strain, also suffered during training. He missed the first three matches, and CSK clearly lacked his aggressive middle-order batting. Coach Stephen Fleming confirmed it was a big loss for the team. The good news is that Brevis is close to full fitness, and unless there is a setback, he is likely to be available for the same match against Delhi Capitals.
Both players are now close to returning, and their comeback could fix two major issues for CSK – finishing matches and adding power in the middle order.
CSK vs DC: Must-Win Clash at Chepauk
CSK will face Delhi Capitals on April 11 at Chepauk in a very important match. CSK are under pressure after losing all three games, while Delhi have started perfectly with two wins and sit near the top of the table. It’s a clear contrast between a struggling team and one full of confidence.
The biggest boost for CSK could be the return of Dhoni and Brevis. Dhoni has been out with a calf strain and will need to pass a fitness test before playing. Brevis, who had a side strain, is also close to full fitness and expected to be available. Their return is important because CSK have lacked finishing ability and middle-order power so far.
The Chepauk pitch usually helps spinners and isn’t very high scoring. So batters will need to play carefully and build their innings. Weather is expected to be clear, with no rain issues.
For CSK, this match is almost a must-win to get their season going. Another loss would put them in a very tough position early on. For Delhi Capitals, a win would keep their unbeaten run going and strengthen their place as one of the top teams this season.
FAQs
Q. Why did MS Dhoni miss the start of IPL 2026?
A. Dhoni missed the first games because of a calf strain during pre-season training.
Q. When can MS Dhoni return for CSK?
A. MS Dhoni is close to returning and may play against Delhi Capitals on April 11 if he passes his fitness test.
Q. Why was Dewald Brevis not playing?
A. Brevis had a side strain, which kept him out of the first three matches, but now he is close to full fitness.
Q. Why is the CSK vs Delhi Capitals match important?
A. CSK have lost all three games, so this is almost a must-win. Delhi Capitals are unbeaten, so a win for them will keep their strong start going.
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