New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received a huge boost ahead of their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, April 3. Two crucial players, MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis, hit the nets as CSK aim to make a strong comeback in the tournament.

The Chennai-based franchise suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. CSK were bowled out for just 127 after a poor show with the bat. All-rounder Jamie Overton was the only bright spot in CSK’s batting line-up, scoring 43 runs off 36 balls.

Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each. In reply, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck a 15-ball fifty, and Jaiswal also scored 38 of 36 as RR chased down the target in 12.1 overs. For CSK, Anshul Kamboj picked up two wickets, but other bowlers failed to deliver.

Dhoni, Brevis practice ahead of PBKS clash

Dhoni has been ruled out for the initial two weeks of the season due to calf strain, and Brevis missed the clash against RR with a side strain. There was information on his return, but the South African batter was doing short-run training in the presence of the team physios. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad remained unsure about their inclusion in the PBKS match.

“He’s taken off today, so I’m not really sure. Yesterday, we didn’t have a chat,” Gaikwad said on Brevis during the pre-match press conference. Just a few minutes after CSK began their training session, Brevis was spotted practising in a separate nets facility with no visible discomfort.

When asked about Dhoni’s rehabilitation progress, Gaikwad chuckled and said that he would be able to answer “just when the 13th day is done”. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter took some throwdowns in the nets and smashed several maximums just before CSK ended their practice session.

MS Dhoni is practising in the nets 🦁💛🤞

However, he is still not enough for a game.

pic.twitter.com/NTHEEoau22

— Muthuvel tweets (@Muthuvelpandiy) April 2, 2026

After the PBKS match, CSK will face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, April 5.