New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered another massive injury blow ahead of their opening match of the IPL 2026 against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. South Africa’s explosive batter Dewald Brevis is set to miss the opening matches of the tournament.
According to the Revsportz report, Brevis has been ruled out for initial two matches of the IPL 2026 due to a side strain. He was retained by the Chennai-based franchise for Rs 2.20 crore after an impressive performance in the last season.
He scored 225 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 180, smashing two fifties last year. Brevis also represented South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 and scored 207 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 146.80.
CSK in massive trouble
The Chennai-based franchise is in massive trouble, as legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is also set to miss the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 due to a calf strain.
“MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026,” CSK said in a release on March 28.
Official Statement
MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026.
Get well soon, Thala! 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/4dgmt5EWFi
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2026
Earlier, Australian pacer Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the entire season and has been replaced by Spencer Johnson in the squad. With Dhoni and Brevis set to miss the initial matches, there will be huge pressure on skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube to deliver with the bat.
Samson is expected to take the wicketkeeping duties in Dhoni’s absence, and will open the innings with Gaikwad. Matt Short is likely to replace Brevis in CSK’s playing XII for the opening match against RR in Guwahati. The franchise will be aiming to bounce back strongly after finishing at the bottom of the points table last season.