RR vs CSK: Why Chennai Super Kings could look different than ever despite injuries to Brevis and Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to step into a new era as they open their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday. For the first time in their history, the team will play without MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, or Ravindra Jadeja in their XI - players who have been the core stars over the years. While Raina has retired and Jadeja has moved on, Dhoni will miss the start of the season due to an injury.

This could be a blessing in disguise for young captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is still transitioning into the role and would like to take full control at CSK. With Dhoni on the field, the focus often shifts to him, and Gaikwad is forced to take a backseat - even if neither Dhoni nor Gaikwad want it to happen. It’s just how things are with Dhoni and CSK - the iconic partnership of nearly 20 years.

However, this season could turn out to be very different. With Dhoni injured and expected to miss the first few games, all focus will be on Gaikwad and how he handles the team. It will be interesting to see if he is able to inspire a young CSK side and help the five-time champions end their streak of poor seasons.

Meanwhile, South African batter Dewald Brevis will also miss CSK’s opening game due to a side strain, but that should not be much of a headache as he is expected to return soon. CSK’s long-time coach Stephen Fleming confirmed this a day before their opening match in Guwahati.

Also Read: CSK IPL 2026 team guide: Squad analysis, best playing XI, tactics, weaknesses and prediction

How CSK pressed a reset button ahead of IPL 2026

The IPL 2026 auction marked a kind of reset for CSK. They have invested heavily in youth this time around, moving away from their veteran-first policy. Gaikwad is believed to have played an important role in the auction strategy. They have signed 19-year-old Kartik Sharma and 20-year-old Prashant Veer for Rs 14.2 crore each. CSK had never spent this kind of amount on youngsters in the past.

Meanwhile, only four players above 30 are expected in their potential playing XI this season, which again shows the major shift in the team’s mindset. Fleming explained the change in approach, saying, “Before, it used to be a young player that lacked experience. But now, the young players have grown up in T20 cricket and have no fear. The game has moved more towards hitting fours and sixes than playing slowly, and we have to move with it.”

Sanju Samson, traded from Rajasthan Royals in a marquee deal that sent former CSK captain Jadeja and Sam Curran away, brings a new attacking firepower at the top of the order. Gaikwad has already confirmed that he would open with Samson this season. The 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup-winning player also comes with a vast leadership experience, which again will help both Gaikwad and CSK.

Why Dhoni and Brevis’ absence won’t bother CSK

Samson will handle Dhoni’s wicketkeeping duties, while other players, including Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, and Urvil Patel, will get opportunities to make an impact in place of Brevis and cement their place. CSK also have options like Prashant and Kartik in the middle order, while another World Cup winner Shivam Dube is also there to strengthen the batting.

The Chepauk Stadium (MA Chidambaram) is also believed to have undergone significant changes in the past year, with the pitch becoming more batter-friendly. This is another reason why Gaikwad and Fleming won’t be too worried about Brevis or Dhoni missing the game as they have enough firepower in the team to fill their shoes.

Meanwhile, Dhoni has also gotten older and is no longer the same finisher he used to be. Dube can perfectly take on the finisher’s role if needed. Dhoni, in any case, has been coming in too late in the batting order for the past few seasons, allowing youngsters to bat ahead of him.

These are some of the reasons why CSK is younger, faster, and more attacking than ever, and why they could look like a completely different beast this season. Their bowling has also strengthened despite injuries to a couple of stars before the start of the season, and they have brought in good replacements as well.