Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra reacted to Dewald Brevis' injury, claiming that Chennai Super Kings’ luck is quite rotten'. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed his injury in the pre-match press conference ahead of their IPL 2026 opener against RR, scheduled for Monday. The South African sustained a side strain during training and will miss their first game of the season.
Dewald Brevis joined CSK as a mid-season injury replacement last year. (AFP)
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“Brevis is out. He had a side injury during training. He is rehabbing. Hopefully, won’t be [out] for too long,” said Fleming.
It has not yet been confirmed if he will be fit for their second game of the season, at home against PBKS.
Taking to X, Chopra said that Brevis' injury could force CSK to change their batting strategy. He wrote, "CSK’s luck is quite rotten with Injuries even before the first ball is bowled… If Brevis is unavailable for the first few games, I feel they should make a pivot with their opening plans."
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"Start with Sanju-Ayush and have Rutu at 3. Sarfraz should be in the conversation now too," he further added.
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"Start with Sanju-Ayush and have Rutu at 3. Sarfraz should be in the conversation now too," he further added.
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CSK will also be without MS Dhoni for their opener, and he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. Earlier, CSK seamer Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. His replacement, Spencer Johnson, is reportedly currently recovering from a back stress injury and will join the squad between April 21-23.
Brevis joined CSK as a mid-season injury replacement last year and showcased his talent. In what a poor season for CSK, Brevis was one of the few shining lights, getting 225 runs from six games at an average of 37.50 and a 180 strike rate.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/After Dewald Brevis injury, Chennai Super Kings urged to rethink batting strategy: ‘Luck is quite rotten’
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