MS Dhoni with CSK. Image Credits: X
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). The development comes just around 20 days before the 19th edition of the tournament begins, raising concerns for the team as they prepare for the new campaign.
It is important to note that CSK had signed Matthew Short during the IPL 2026 auction, which took place in December last year. The franchise bought the Australian player for ₹1.5 crore, which was his base price.
Matthew Short expected to join CSK
However, despite the injury, Matthew Short is still expected to travel to India and join the CSK squad as scheduled. Reports suggest that the team management still expects him to be part of the camp, even though he is recovering from the thumb fracture.
Although his IPL career so far has been quite short, Matthew Short has already shown his potential in the tournament. Notably, he played six matches for Punjab Kings during the 2023 season. During that stint, he scored 119 runs at an average of 19.50 and maintained a strike rate of 127.17.
Moreover, Matthew Short recently showed excellent form in the Big Bash League (BBL 2025–26). In that tournament, he scored 280 runs in 10 innings with a strike rate of 132.40.
In addition, his ability to contribute as both a batter and a bowler makes him a valuable player for the team. With his confidence currently high, the all-rounder could become an important member of the squad led by former captain MS Dhoni.
CSK aim for a sixth IPL title
Meanwhile, CSK have built a strong squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season as they aim to win their sixth title. During the IPL mini-auction, the franchise made some big purchases.
Notably, CSK spent a huge ₹14.20 crore to sign uncapped Indian all-rounder Prashant Veer. They also paid the same amount for uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma. Both players had a base price of just ₹30 lakh, and their final price made them the joint-highest paid uncapped players in IPL auction history.
In addition to these signings, CSK also picked up West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein for ₹2 crore at his base price.
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Before the mini-auction, the franchise also made a major trade. CSK sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Samson is expected to open the batting for CSK next season along with either captain Ruturaj Gaikwad or youngster Ayush Mhatre.
Pre-season camp already underway
Meanwhile, the five-time champions have already started their pre-season preparations. CSK began their training camp on March 1 at the team’s High Performance Centre in Navalur.
The camp is currently being supervised by assistant coaches S. Sriram and Rajeev Kumar. The current group of players training includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Mukesh Choudhary, and Prashant Veer.
For now, only Indian players are part of the training camp, while overseas players are expected to join later in the month.
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