Chennai Super Kings have received positive news ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis have returned to training, which could strengthen the team before their first home match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Both players missed the season opener, and their return to practice has given the team and fans hope that they could soon be available for selection.
Dhoni and Brevis Return to Practice Sessions
MS Dhoni missed Chennai Super Kings’ opening match against Rajasthan Royals because of a serious calf strain. The team had earlier confirmed that he would need around two weeks of recovery and did not travel with the squad to Guwahati.
Dewald Brevis also missed the match due to a side strain, which left CSK with fewer options in the middle order.
Recent training sessions at the practice ground showed positive signs for both players.
Brevis trained separately in the nets and looked comfortable while batting. Observers noted that he did not appear to be in discomfort during the session.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad did not give a definite answer when asked about Brevis’s availability for the upcoming match.
Dhoni also appeared during practice and faced several throwdown deliveries. He even hit a few powerful shots into the stands, which suggests that his recovery is progressing well, though the team is still being careful with his workload.
CSK’s Difficult Start Without Dhoni and Brevis
Chennai Super Kings struggled in their first match of IPL 2026 without the presence of Dhoni and Brevis in the lineup.
The team was bowled out for just 127 runs, exposing weakness in the middle order.
Because Brevis was unavailable, CSK gave Australian all-rounder Matthew Short a chance to bat at number four. Sarfaraz Khan was also used as an Impact Player after the top order collapsed early.
Sanju Samson handled wicketkeeping duties during that game, while young wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma made his IPL debut.
CSK Batting Order in the Season Opener
| Batting Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Opener | Sanju Samson |
| No. 3 | Ayush Mhatre |
| No. 4 | Matthew Short |
| Impact Player | Sarfaraz Khan |
The absence of experienced players in the middle order made it difficult for CSK to build partnerships.
Also See : Sahibzada Farhan Equals Kohli and Rossouw with Ninth T20 Century in PSL 2026 Thriller
Big Question Before the PBKS Match
The key question ahead of the CSK vs PBKS game is whether MS Dhoni will be fit enough to play.
The team management is expected to be cautious. Bringing a senior player back too quickly from a calf injury could lead to another setback.
CSK also has another important match soon after the PBKS game. The team will travel to Bengaluru to face the defending champions at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Because of the tight schedule, the management may prefer to manage Dhoni’s recovery carefully.
Key Points to Watch in Upcoming Matches
Several factors will be important for Chennai Super Kings in their next two games.
Dhoni’s possible return to the squad. His presence would bring experience and leadership to the team.
Brevis’s fitness progress. If he continues training comfortably, he could strengthen the middle order.
CSK’s batting balance. The team needs stability in the middle order after the early struggles in their opening match.
Team workload management. With multiple matches scheduled close together, CSK must manage player fitness carefully.
The match against Punjab Kings will be a crucial moment for Chennai Super Kings as they play their first home game of IPL 2026 at Chepauk.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether Dhoni and Brevis return to the playing XI.
A positive fitness update could give the team much-needed confidence and improve the balance of their batting lineup.
The upcoming clash against Punjab Kings will provide an important test as CSK looks to recover from a difficult start and build momentum in the tournament.
