Chennai Super Kings Coach Discusses MS Dhoni's Impact and Dewald Brevis' Recovery Ahead of IPL Match

Ahead of their IPL match against Punjab Kings, CSK's Head Coach Stephen Fleming discusses the impact of MS Dhoni's absence and provides an update on Dewald Brevis' recovery. After a tough start to the season, Fleming emphasizes the team's focus on a strong beginning and the blend of youth and experience in the squad. With hopes for Brevis' timely return, CSK aims to bounce back from their opening loss. Read on for more insights into the team's strategy and player updates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 2, 2026, 22:26 IST

Pre-Match Insights from CSK's Coach

Before the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Stephen Fleming, the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), shared insights regarding the significant role of veteran player MS Dhoni and provided an update on the fitness of South African batsman Dewald Brevis.

Challenging Start for CSK

CSK faced a tough beginning to their season, suffering an eight-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. The team managed to score only 127 runs, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi's explosive 15-ball half-century led to their downfall. With Dhoni sidelined for the initial two weeks due to a calf injury, the team’s performance without him raised concerns, especially as they broke a significant 277-match streak without both Dhoni and Suresh Raina in the lineup.

Dhoni's Continued Influence

During the pre-match press conference, Fleming remarked on Dhoni's absence, stating, "It is just a game without him. He is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong."

Update on Dewald Brevis

Dewald Brevis, the promising young South African player, missed the opening match against Rajasthan Royals. Fleming mentioned that Brevis is currently in rehabilitation and expressed optimism about his timely return. Last season, Brevis scored 225 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 180.00, including two fifties while stepping in as an injury replacement. Fleming noted, "Yes, Brevis is out and is currently rehabbing. Hopefully, it won't be too long before he returns."

Aiming for a Strong Start

Fleming emphasized the importance of a solid start for the Super Kings in the 2026 IPL season, highlighting the blend of youth and experience in the squad. He stated, "We have invested in youth and Indian talent, and there is real energy in the group. The first game is always a good barometer, and we are focused on starting well."

Chennai Super Kings Squad:

The current squad includes: Sanju Samson (w), Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein, Sarfaraz Khan, MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Aman Khan, Gurjapneet Singh, Zakary Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer.