Mukesh Choudhary rejoins CSK squad after attending his mother’s last rites

Chennai Super Kings left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary has rejoined the team following his mother's last rites.

Choudhary's mother, Prem Devi, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, after an almost year-long battle with illness. It has been reported that she was being treated in the Tata Hospital in Mumbai.

The final rites were conducted in Choudhary's hometown of Bhilwara in Rajasthan.

Mukesh Choudhary left from Hyderabad

According to reports, Choudhary left for Bhilwara after CSK's last match - against Sunrisers Hyderabad - which was held in Hyderabad.

Although CSK suffered a 10-run defeat, Choudhary impressed with the ball by dismissing big hitters like Travis Head and Ishan Kishan off consecutive deliveries. That was the only game he has played so far in IPL 2026.

CSK's next match is scheduled against the Mumbai Indians in Mumbai. It is understood that Choudhary did not travel to Mumbai from Hyderabad with the team, going to Bhilwara instead. It has been reported that Mukesh Choudhary joined the CSK squad on Wednesday night after returning from Bhilwara.

Choudhary's return should lift the spirits of the CSK side and is a relief for the team management, especially when their primary left-arm pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, has been ruled out of IPL 2026.

Hailing from Rajasthan, living in Maharashtra for a long time

Mukesh Choudhary and his family originally hail from Bhilwara in Rajasthan, which is also where he was born. The family later shifted to Darhwa in Maharashtra, where Mukesh's father, Gopal, ran a business.

Following the move, Choudhary started playing cricket for Maharashtra and made his first-class debut for the state in 2017. In 2019, he made his List A and T20 debuts for the state as well.

CSK stuck by Mukesh Choudhary despite injuries

Choudhary first joined the Chennai Super Kings in 2022 and impressed in his debut season. Although CSK finished ninth, he had made a statement by picking up 16 wickets in his first-ever IPL season.

Injuries have been a constant in his life and have hampered his ability to fully showcase himself, but the Chennai Super Kings showered their full faith in him.

He was ruled out of the season in 2023, but both injuries and poor form have resulted in him playing just 4 IPL matches since 2024.

MS Dhoni motivated Mukesh Choudhary

According to sources close to the southpaw, former CSK skipper MS Dhoni lent his full support to the bowler in these trying times.

Apart from keeping him motivated, it has been reported that Dhoni actually met Choudhary's mother in the hospital as well.

Also Read: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma ruled out of MI vs CSK IPL 2026 clash

CSK's next match

Chennai Super Kings' next match is against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on Thursday, April 23. The game will be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

While it is unclear whether Mukesh Choudhary will be a part of the game, the big news is concerning the legends, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Both heavyweights have been struggling with injuries, and speculation is rife as to whether either of them will feature in the 'El Clásico' of IPL.

Latest reports have suggested that both Sharma and Dhoni are unlikely to play the game.