Chennai players during SRH vs CSK in IPL 2026. PC-AP
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp is facing multiple hardships in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Injuries have been a constant in their squad, while one of their rising stars has lost his mother amidst the busy cricketing season.
After playing six matches in the IPL 2026, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team has won just two and lost four matches. Although they won two in a row after losing three of their first games, CSK received a beating in their last outing.
Moreover, CSK has been hit with multiple casualties, starting from MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis' injuries before the start of the season. They have also lost Ayush Mhatre due to a left hamstring injury.
Last week, the left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the entire IPL 2026. CSK has not yet named Khaleel's replacement; they have been hit with some troubling news before the MI vs CSK clash.
CSK pacer Mukesh Choudhary loses his mother
Mukesh Choudhary, who took over the new ball duty in Khaleel Ahmed's absence, has lost his mother, Prem Devi, on late Tuesday night after her long battle with a year-long illness. She was hospitalised in Mumbai's Tata Hospital, where she took her last breathe.
"The CSK family mourns the passing of Mukesh Choudhary’s mother. We stand with Mukesh and his family, keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," the Chennai Super Kings posted on X.
Also Read: Will MS Dhoni Play MI vs CSK IPL Match Today? Latest Update
According to Dainik Bhaskar, Choudhary rushed to his home town in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, to perform his mother's last rites, alongside his elder brother, Dr. Rajesh Choudhary.
The left-arm seamer will most likely miss CSK's next match against MI on Thursday.
It is learnt that the legendary MS Dhoni took out some time to meet Mukesh Choudhary's mother before her demise.
CSK down with problem in Choudhary's absence
In Mukesh Choudhary's absence, CSK will go down with a new-ball bowler. Although the seamer will most probably return after the MI vs CSK match, the Chennai management will look to bring back the experienced New Zealander Matt Henry, who will come in more than handy at the Wankhede Stadium.
However, Henry's re-entry would mean Chennai will not be able to play Matthew Short or Akeal Hosein, given Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton will be certain.
Additionally, the five-time champions will need to find Ayush Mhatre's replacement at number three. There can be a toss-up between Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma for Mhatre's spot.
Can CSK still qualify?
After losing first three games on a trot, Chennai bounced back by defeating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, thanks to Sanju Samson and the bowlers. However, they were beaten fair and square by the Sunrisers Hyderabad at Uppal.
The CSK bowlers did a fine job by restricting a heavy batting lineup like SRH under 200 runs, but the batters made a mess of the chase. CSK finished their innings on 184/8 while chasing 195 runs.
CSK can still qualify, as they need to find their winning mojo back. The main worrying sign for the CSK have been Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. The two have not lived up to the exceptions so far in the IPL 2026. Chennai will hope them to come back to form against MI in Mumbai for the El Clasico on Thursday.
Also Read: LSG IPL 2026 Playoffs Qualification Scenario After Massive Defeat Vs Rajasthan Royals
