3 Players in Line to Temporarily Replace Dewald Brevis
Chennai Super Kings face an early setback in IPL 2026. Injuries to MS Dhoni and Nathan Ellis have already hurt the squad. Now, Dewald Brevis has also been ruled out for the initial matches.
Brevis suffered a side strain before CSK’s opening game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. His absence was felt immediately. CSK were bowled out for just 127 runs, with the top order collapsing and the middle order failing to recover. Matthew Short and Sarfaraz Khan, who batted at No.4 and No.5, could not make much of an impact. More batting contribution will be expected out of them until Brevis returns.
Brevis had joined CSK as a replacement last season and impressed in limited chances. He was retained for IPL 2026 and was expected to be a key middle-order batter. Earlier this year, he had a strong SA20 season with Pretoria Capitals. He finished among the top run-scorers and became the first player to score a century in an SA20 Final.
He also scored 200+ runs in 8 matches at a strike rate close to 150 in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With Brevis unavailable, CSK need quick solutions. Here are 3 players who can fill Brevis’ void in the Playing XI.
Option 1: Urvil Patel Replaces Dewald Brevis
Urvil Patel is not yet an established IPL player, but his domestic numbers stand out. He holds several six-hitting and fastest century records.
Last season, he scored 68 runs in 3 matches for CSK at a strike rate of 212.50, including 6 sixes. On debut, he smashed 31 off 11 balls. He showed the ability to attack from ball one and clear the boundary regularly.
For CSK, he can provide quick runs in the middle overs and maintain pressure on bowlers.
Option 2: Promote Shivam Dube
CSK can also look at promoting Shivam Dube up the order. In the previous match, Dube batted at No.7 despite the top-order collapse.
Dube has experience playing higher up for India and has delivered in that role. Promoting him can bring stability and power in the middle overs.
CSK can then use players like Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer to strengthen the lower middle order. This approach adds batting depth and extra bowling options.
However, this move has risks. It could leave the middle order inexperienced and expose the team if early wickets fall as they did in the first match.
Option 3: Matthew Short or Sarfaraz Khan
CSK can also trust Matthew Short or Sarfaraz Khan as replacements. The duo batted at number four and five against RR but couldn’t stabilise CSK’s batting.
Short is the only overseas batter option available. The team must decide whether to use him in Brevis’ role or adjust the batting order. With Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre likely in the top three, others may need to bat out of position.
Short offers more than batting. His right-arm off-spin adds value. He showed good T20 form during the Pakistan tour and contributed with both bat and ball. In the 2025-26 Big Bash League, he was Adelaide Strikers’ second-highest run-scorer and also picked up 5 wickets.
Sarfaraz Khan, on the other hand, brings an aggressive approach and can boost scoring in the middle overs with a high strike rate.
CSK now face a key selection call. Replacing Brevis will not be easy, but the squad still has options. The next few matches will test their depth, flexibility and CSK overcome this situation.