Dewald Brewis and MS Dhoni practice in the nets ahead of Chennai Super Kings' first home match Indian Premier League (2026). CSK, who lost their season opener to Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, will host Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 3.
It is not yet clear whether Brewis and Dhoni, who missed the previous match due to fitness concerns, will take part in this competition. However, the return of the duo to the nets is a positive sign, as the team put up a tough fight against the Royals and posted a mammoth total of 127 runs, which the opponents bowled out in just 12.1 overs with eight wickets remaining, handing the five-time winners a weak net-run-rate defeat.
It emerged that Dhoni will miss at least two weeks due to a calf strain, while Brevis is understood to be out of action only for the clash against the Royals due to a side strain.
Ahead of the clash against PBKS, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad could not confirm the availability of either of them.
“He has been discharged today, so I am not really sure. Yesterday, we had no conversation,” Gaikwad said about Brewis during the pre-match press conference.
Later, Brewis was seen batting without any trouble in a separate net facility. CSK included Matthew Short at No. 4 in Brevis's absence, while Sarfaraz Khan was called in as an impact substitute following the top-order collapse.
As far as Dhoni's rehabilitation is concerned, Gaikwad said an update can be expected on Day 13 as the wicketkeeper-batsman is out for at least two weeks. However, Dhoni was seen facing a throwdown in the nets just before the end of CSK's practice session.
CSK are coming off the back of an impressive three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the season opener in Friday's opponents Mullanpur. CSK, who recorded their first wooden-spoon finish in IPL history last season, will have a short turnaround from their April 3 clash against Punjab Kings as they take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday (April 5).
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