The 2026 IPL season has kicked off, but for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, the excitement is tinged with worry. The 5-time champions are set to take on Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati today, carrying the heavy baggage of 2025—a season where they finished at the absolute bottom (10th) for the first time in their history.

The Double Blow: Dhoni and Brevis Ruled Out CSK’s campaign has hit a roadblock even before the first ball is bowled. Legend MS Dhoni has been ruled out for at least the first two weeks due to a calf strain suffered during practice. To make matters worse, South African powerhouse Dewald Brevis, who was expected to be the X-factor in the middle order, is also sidelined with a side strain.

Seeking Redemption After a Horror 2025: Last year was a forgettable one for the “Yellow Army,” as they managed only 4 wins in 14 games. However, 2026 brings a fresh look. In a historic trade, CSK brought in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, and with Dhoni out, Samson is expected to don the gloves today. The addition of players like Matthew Short and Sarfaraz Khan has added much-needed stability to a squad that looked fragile last year.

The Strategy for Today’s Opener: Under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK will rely heavily on Shivam Dube’s power-hitting and the spin wizardry of Noor Ahmad. Playing in Guwahati, where conditions can be tricky, the absence of Dhoni’s tactical genius on the field will be a huge test for Gaikwad. Fans are eager to see if the team can move past the scars of 2025 and start the new season with a bang, proving that they are still the giants of the IPL.