The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign under massive pressure as two of their biggest names – MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis – have been ruled out of the opening phase of the league. The Yellow Army must be hoping for a strong comeback, but CSK has been hit with injury shocks that have forced them to change their plans.
Amidst these setbacks, former Indian cricketer and coach Priyank Panchal has made a bold statement on the Chennai Super Kings. His bold claim on MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis’ absence has sparked a huge debate among fans just before CSK’s season opener against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.
MS Dhoni ruled out of 5-6 IPL 2026 matches
MS Dhoni suffered a calf strain during a pre-season practice game on March 22. This injury has ruled the legendary wicketkeeper-batter out of the action for a couple of weeks. In his absence, Sanju Samson will take care of wicketkeeping, but CSK will miss Dhoni’s experience in crunch moments.
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It is being said that Dhoni has not travelled with the Chennai team to Guwahati for their opening clash against the Rajasthan Royals. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Chennai, and he might miss the first two weeks, possibly at least five-six matches if recovery takes longer.
Dewald Brevis’s blow adds more trouble for CSK
The Chennai Super Kings camp was hit by another setback as South Africa’s explosive batter Dewald Brevis injured himself during a training session in Guwahati. Brevis picked up a side strain and has been ruled out for the first two to three matches of the ongoing IPL 2026.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that Dewald Brevis has already started his rehab. In his absence, they can play either Sarfaraz Khan or Australian all-rounder Matt Short in the middle order.
Priyank Panchal drops big Dewald Brevis claim
Adding fire to the already tense situation, Priyank Panchal has created headlines with a huge statement. He boldly claimed that Brevis’s absence would hurt CSK more than Dhoni’s. The coach said that it will be interesting to see how they will cope with Ravindra Jaddu and Ravi Bishnoi’s threats.
Panchal posted, X: “Interesting to see how CSK adapts to life without MSD tonight. But, I reckon, purely on current batting abilities, Brevis is going to be a bigger miss. His presence could have helped Chennai neutralize the threats of Jaddu and Bishnoi in a much more profound manner. #IPL2026”
Interesting to see how CSK adapt to life without MSD tonight. But, I reckon, purely on current batting abilities, Brevis is going to be a bigger miss. His presence could have helped Chennai neutralise the threats of Jaddu and Bishnoi in a much more profound manner. #IPL2026
— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) March 30, 2026
Rain may play spoilsport in Guwahati
However, rain might spoil the party in Guwahati on Monday, as dark clouds are slowly gathering over the Barsapara Stadium before the much-awaited IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. It’s a special day for many reasons.
Riyan Parag is set to make his debut as full-time RR captain on his home ground, while Samson will make his first appearance in CSK colors. Jadeja will not be seen in yellow after so many years.
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