Chennai Super Kings have delivered a major update on MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis ahead of their next IPL 2026 match, with the team still waiting on both players’ fitness. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said Dhoni remains in rehab with no clear return timeline, while Brevis could be available for the next game if his recovery goes well over the next few days.
According to Cricbuzz, the franchise’s update was clear and cautious. Viswanathan said:
âMS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. We canât say how much time,â while adding that CSK are hopeful Brevis will be available for the next game, depending on how he progresses before then.
Ruturaj Gaikwad said:
“Obviously, MS will be back soon. He’s right on track. As we mentioned before the start of the IPL, that two weeks was his time to get back into the team. So I think we are just into second week now. So probably, we’ll see how he is before the next match that is coming and then we’ll assess accordingly.”
This is a huge step for CSK, as Dhoniâs fitness remains the main point of discussion for the team. In fact, the veteran player, capable of bringing calmness, experience, and balance to the team, even at this age, and his absence is always a factor that changes the mood of the whole line-up.
The fact that the franchise is still unable to give him a date for his return indicates they do not want to take any risk.
However, at the same time, the Brevis situation seems to have some good news also. The update states that CSK is of the view that if Brevis can contribute to the team soon, it would be a significant boost to the batting unit.
What can CSK expect next?
Some games for CSK without Dhoni is like a reality check for the team. They are currently at the bottom of IPL 2026 points table after losing three games, and their NRR is as low as -2.517, which is quite alarming.
CSK have now lost seven of eight IPL matches without Dhoni across 2010, 2019, and 2026, a stat that exposes just how dependent the team remains on one man. In the season opener against Rajasthan Royals, they crumbled to 127 all out in 19.4 overs, with their powerplay score of 41/4 described as “straight out of 2025, when they had finished rock bottom.” RR knocked off the target in just 12.1 overs, winning by 8 wickets, and the middle order never got going.
Withââââââââââââââââ all these facts, it is clear that CSK should not push Dhoni to play again if his body is not ready. A short-term risk can lead to a big loss for them later in the tournament, especially since Dhoni has become an important player who delivers high-impact finishing in the last two to three overs, with a strike rate generally above 200+.
The bold prediction here is that Brevis returns on the 11th and gives CSK a much-needed attacking boost in the middle order, while Dhoni watches from the dugout one more time. If CSK lose again without him, the pressure to bring him back early will only grow louder.
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