Will Dewald Brevis play today? That is the biggest question heading into CSK vs PBKS at MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 3, as Chennai Super Kings look to bounce back from a heavy opening-game defeat. The Dewald Brevis injury — a side strain that kept him out of the RR vs CSK match in Guwahati — remains a concern, although positive signs have emerged from practice. MS Dhoni is also still unavailable as he recovers from a calf strain.
Here is a full breakdown of both injury updates and what it means for the CSK playing XI tonight against Punjab Kings.
(updated on April 3, 2026)
Will Dewald Brevis Play Today vs PBKS?
Will Dewald Brevis play today against Punjab Kings? The short answer is: almost certainly not.
Despite a positive training session ahead of tonight’s CSK vs PBKS match, Brevis is unlikely to feature in the playing XI. The South African middle-order batter was seen batting in the nets at Chepauk and showed no visible signs of discomfort — a promising development. However, he only faced throw-downs and barely did more than defending the ball, suggesting he is not yet match-fit.
Head coach Stephen Fleming had previously confirmed that Brevis missed the first game due to a side strain, as we covered in detail here on The Dakia. Side strains are particularly challenging for power hitters — the rotational load on the torso makes it risky to rush a return. With this being only CSK’s second match and the IPL a long tournament, the management is unlikely to risk Brevis before he has fully recovered.
The Dewald Brevis injury means CSK’s middle-order remains vulnerable. His absence was dearly felt in Guwahati, where CSK were bowled out for just 127 against Rajasthan Royals. Without Brevis and Dhoni, the batting depends heavily on Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Jamie Overton to provide the firepower in the second half of the innings.
When will Dewald Brevis play next match for CSK?
He could potentially return for the RCB vs CSK clash on April 5 in Bengaluru if he regains complete fitness during the short turnaround. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had earlier indicated he would miss 2–3 games, so a return against RCB or Delhi Capitals (April 11) appears most likely.
Why Is MS Dhoni Not Playing Today vs PBKS?
MS Dhoni remains unavailable for CSK vs PBKS as he continues recovering from a calf strain. Dhoni is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026, which means he will sit out CSK’s first four matches — against Rajasthan Royals (already played), Punjab Kings (tonight), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 5), and Delhi Capitals (April 11).
CSK’s IPL 2026 opener against RR was their first game without either Dhoni or Suresh Raina in the XI. Tonight’s CSK vs PBKS match at Chepauk will be the third time CSK play at home without Dhoni in their history.
In Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson has taken the wicketkeeping gloves, with CSK also having Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma as backup options behind the stumps.
Dhoni’s absence is a significant blow not just in terms of wicketkeeping but also as a finisher. He scored 196 runs across 13 innings in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 135.17, and his experience in crunch moments is irreplaceable. For the latest on the MS Dhoni injury update, ESPN has the full details here.
When will MS Dhoni return?
Expected after two weeks — likely around the CSK vs KKR match on April 14 at the earliest.
For the latest, CSK CEO has now given a major MS Dhoni return date update.
Brevis Injury: The Bigger Picture For CSK
The twin absences of Brevis is part of a wider injury crisis for Chennai Super Kings at the start of IPL 2026. Nathan Ellis, the Australian fast bowler, has already been ruled out of the entire tournament with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Spencer Johnson.
That means CSK are heading into their first home game of the season against Punjab Kings without three players who featured in their original plans — a significant challenge for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side, which was bowled out for 127 in the season opener and lost by 8 wickets to RR.
You can track all the latest unavailable players across franchises in our IPL 2026 injured players list on The Dakia.
CSK Hit By Multiple Early Injuries
The Dewald Brevis injury is not an isolated setback. CSK are already dealing with several availability issues. They have multiple entries in the IPL 2026 injured players list.
- MS Dhoni is likely to miss the first two weeks due to a calf strain and is currently undergoing rehabilitation
- Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a hamstring injury
- Dewald Brevis side strain injury set to sideline him for two games.
- Squad balance has already been impacted heading into the opening match
Dhoni’s absence also creates a leadership and wicketkeeping gap, with Sanju Samson expected to take over the gloves.
CSK vs PBKS: Likely Playing XIs
CSK Likely Playing XI vs PBKS
Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan/Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj.
Impact sub options: Khaleel Ahmed, Prashant Veer/Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Chahar, Gurjapneet Singh, Ramakrishna Ghosh
PBKS Likely Playing XI vs CSK
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact sub options: Yuzvendra Chahal, Josh Inglis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson
Shreyas Iyer has been declared fit for tonight’s match despite taking a blow to his hand in PBKS’ last game. PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin confirmed there would be no break for the skipper.
CSK vs PBKS: Pitch And Match Context At Chepauk
Tonight’s game at Chepauk is a must-win for CSK after their dismal 127 all out in Guwahati. But PBKS present a serious challenge — they have won the last three matches against CSK at Chepauk and hold a 5-4 winning record at this venue overall.
The Chepauk surface has flattened out compared to previous seasons. This is the same pitch where India scored 256/4 against Zimbabwe during the T20 World Cup. There is reportedly some grass on the surface, but the conditions are expected to favour batters, particularly in the evening session. Temperatures are expected to hit 35°C during the day and drop to 26°C by match time.
Key match-up to watch: Yuzvendra Chahal has 23 wickets against CSK in IPL matches at an economy rate of 7.1, and has dismissed Sanju Samson five times in 12 innings — more than any other bowler in the IPL.
This will also be Sanju Samson’s first match in CSK colours at Chepauk — a moment Chennai fans have been waiting for. The vocal home crowd is expected to be firmly behind the new arrival, even as Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to rediscover his own form after six single-digit scores in his last ten IPL innings.
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