Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming believes Dewald Brevis is “not far away” from returning to full match readiness, with the team targeting the batter’s availability for CSK’s home encounter against Delhi Capitals on April 11.
Fleming’s update on Brevis’ recovery
Fleming said Brevis is close to being fit after missing the opening stretch of the IPL 2026 season. The coach noted that a five-day window between CSK’s clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the next fixture versus DC gives the team an opportunity to get him back into rhythm.
Brevis had been ruled out of the first three matches of IPL 2026 because of a side strain. Speaking during the CSK-RCB game, Fleming expressed optimism about the upcoming schedule and the work planned in the intervening days.
What the CSK camp showed before matchday
CSK did not run a training session on the evening before the RCB-CSK fixture. However, on match day, Brevis was spotted taking throwdowns for close to 20 minutes under the watch of CSK assistant coach Rajiv Kumar.
During the stint, Brevis largely defended the deliveries and did not appear to be in visible discomfort. After that, he joined the rest of his teammates for a football session.
Brevis’ routine ahead of the Chepauk clash
Before CSK’s match against Punjab Kings at Chepauk, Brevis worked at the side nets and mainly focused on facing throwdowns. He also took part in a fielding session on match day as part of his continued preparation.
Brevis’ IPL journey with CSK and what comes next
Brevis joined CSK as a replacement player during IPL 2025 and quickly proved his value in a season that otherwise proved difficult for the franchise. Fleming’s latest comments come as CSK look to tighten their middle-order options after a challenging start to IPL 2026.
- Brevis missed the first three IPL 2026 matches because of a side strain.
- With a five-day gap between CSK’s game vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the next match vs Delhi Capitals, Fleming said the team is “looking forward to getting him back.”
- Fleming said, “We hope he is going to be right for the next game,” adding that CSK had been conservative with his workload and were hoping the next five days go to plan.
In IPL 2025, Brevis delivered a productive run of form, scoring 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180.00. He also struck 17 sixes off 125 balls, highlighting his impact when called upon.
- In IPL 2025 for CSK: 225 runs in six innings (strike rate 180.00).
- He struck 17 sixes in 125 balls.
CSK retained Brevis for IPL 2026, and once fully fit, he is expected to slot into the middle order. The franchise has already had to manage a tough rhythm this season, having lost their first two games after finishing at the bottom of the points table last year.
CSK’s overseas usage has also varied early on: they played their second match against Punjab Kings with only two overseas players, before starting their fixture against RCB with three. With Brevis nearing a return, CSK will be hoping his inclusion helps stabilise their batting as the tournament progresses, particularly with the April 11 home date against DC in view.
