Chennai Super Kings begin their IPL 2026 campaign without two key players, with both MS Dhoni And Devald Brews is unavailable for their opening match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.Bruce has been ruled out of the match with a side strain, with head coach Stephen Fleming confirming the South African is currently undergoing rehabilitation. “He’s rehabbing and hopefully won’t be out too long,” Fleming said on the sidelines of the game. His absence is a blow for CSK, given his ability to provide explosive power in the middle order.DhoniThe absence of, meanwhile, is part of a slightly longer-term concern. The former CSK captain is expected to miss the first two weeks of the tournament due to a calf strain. In recent years, Dhoni has been managing knee problems while playing only in the IPL, but has been a consistent presence in the team, even securing their fifth title in 2023. However, this time, CSK will have to go without him in the opening stages.With Dhoni unavailable, Rituraj Gaikwad continues as captain, while Sanju Samson acts as wicketkeeper and opener.The toss also reflected the conditions, with Rajasthan Royals electing to bowl first after rain in Guwahati left the surface damp. Both teams acknowledged the effects of the weather, but for CSK, the biggest challenge will be adjusting to life without two key players at the start of their campaign. Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashvi Jaiswal, Vibhu Suryavanshi, Ryan Parag (c), Dhruv Jural (w), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Berger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh SharmaChennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson, Rituraj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mahatre, Matthew Short, Shivm Dubey, Karthik Sharma (w), Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmed, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khalil Ahmed
