IPL 2026: Why CSK players are wearing black armbands vs MI in Match 33?

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players were seen wearing a black armband as a token of respect to Mukesh Choudhary’s late mother during their game against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23. 

The fast bowler’s mother sadly passed away on Tuesday following a year-long battle with illness. 

“The CSK family mourns the passing of Mukesh Choudhary’s mother. We stand with Mukesh and his family, keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,”

the franchise posted on their social media accounts.

The CSK family mourns the passing of Mukesh Choudhary’s mother.

We stand with Mukesh and his family, keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 23, 2026

Despite the sad news, Choudhary forms part of the CSK playing XI, which took the field against MI at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The left-arm pacer played his first game of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) last time against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and went on to take two wickets. 

Choudhary will have added responsibilities with the ball, alongside Anshul Kamboj, after Khaleel Ahmed’s hamstring injury, which has ruled him out of the entirety of this season’s IPL.

It is worth mentioning that Choudhary has not been a regular member in CSK’s lineup since the 2022 season of the IPL. After playing 13 times in 2022, the 29-year-old has played just five times in the past three seasons. He did, however, take 16 wickets in his debut IPL campaign four years ago at an economy rate of 9.31.

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CSK are in desperate need of a win to kickstart their 2026 campaign

Prior to their game against MI, CSK had played six times in this year’s IPL and have gone on to win just twice. They are currently languishing in eighth spot in the points table with just four points to their name.

The five-time champions do need a win sooner rather than later to put some traction behind their campaign, should they want to make a late push for the top four spots in the second half of the season.