Why Are CSK Players Wearing Black Armbands vs Mumbai Indians? (Source: AFP)
On Thursday, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians came face to face for the first time in IPL 2026. The much-awaited game, dubbed as the 'El Classico', entered a new phase as it is the first IPL match without Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni in the playing XI.
Talking about the match, Mumbai Indians won the toss and asked Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK to bat first. Interestingly, Gaikwad walked down for the coin flip with a black armband around his sleeve. It caught fans' attention and a common curiousiry started to trend online.
Therefore, this article will shed light on why CSK players are wearing black armband vs MI.
CSK Honour Mukesh Choudhary's Late Mother
A tragedy hit CSK's camp in the early hours of Thursday as Mukesh Choudhary lost his mother due to a long battle with illness. Therefore, the five-time winners are wearing black armbands around their sleeves to stand in solidarity with the left-arm seamer.
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Interestingly, Mukesh Choudhary did not leave the camp despite the demise of his mother and is a part of CSK's playing XI against Mumbai Indians. The five-time winners also issued an official update regarding the same.
"This one is for Mukesh’s mother. In her memory and in solidarity with Mukesh, we wear black armbands and play with a little more in our hearts today," read the tweet.
What Happened To Mukesh Choudhary's Mother
Mukesh Choudhary 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 breathed her last.
Notably, reports suggested that Mukesh has actually left the CSK camp and headed to his home town in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, to perform his mother's last rites, alongside his elder brother, Dr. Rajesh Choudhary.
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Much to everyone's surprise, Mukesh Choudhary is a part of the playing XI and will bowl for the Super Kings.
CSK's Playing XI vs MI
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary
How Has Mukesh Choudhary Performed In IPL 2026?
Mukesh Choudhary was not part of CSK's plans in the early phase of the tournament. However, he returned to the playing XI and has been doing well for the franchise. Shedding light on the numbers, he has played just a solitary match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he took two wickets.
Overall, Choudhary bowled well, which is why he has been rewarded by the franchise. Also, CSK's gesture for the bowler has been appreciated as well.
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