The news of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fast bowler Mukesh Choudhary’s mother, Prem Devi, passing away on Tuesday has sent a wave of sorrow through the cricketing fraternity. Amidst the high-octane environment of IPL 2026, this tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the personal battles players face behind the scenes.

As the team prepares for the iconic "El Clásico" against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mukesh has returned to his hometown in Rajasthan to perform the final rites.

The Personal Battle: A Year-Long Fight

Mukesh’s mother, Prem Devi, had been battling a prolonged illness for over a year. She was receiving specialized care at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai—one of Asia’s premier oncology and specialized care centers.

Throughout the 2025 season and the lead-up to 2026, Mukesh balanced his professional commitments with frequent visits to the hospital. Reports indicate that MS Dhoni played a pivotal role as a mentor during this time, not just on the field, but by visiting the hospital and providing emotional strength to the Choudhary family.

The Final Rites in Bhilwara

Following her passing on Tuesday, Mukesh immediately left the CSK camp in Mumbai. The last rites were performed in Gadwalon ka Kheda, Bhilwara, alongside his brother, Dr. Rajesh Choudhary. The family has deep roots in this region of Rajasthan, and the local community has gathered to support the young pacer.

The Professional Impact: A Blow to CSK’s Bowling

On the field, Mukesh’s absence is a significant setback for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side. After struggling with injuries and form in previous seasons, Mukesh had just begun to find his rhythm in 2026.

*Recent Form: In his last outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18, he delivered a match-winning spell of 2/21, removing dangerous hitters like Travis Head.
*The Replacement: With Mukesh unavailable for the MI clash, CSK is likely to hand a debut to Australian left-arm quick Spencer Johnson. Johnson, known for his high pace and steep bounce, will have big shoes to fill in a high-pressure environment.

MS Dhoni’s Role: Beyond the Captaincy

The bond between MS Dhoni and Mukesh Choudhary has been well-documented since Mukesh’s breakout season in 2022. Dhoni famously "prepared" Mukesh to lead the powerplay attack.

During this family crisis, Dhoni’s support has been described as "paternal." Despite nursing a calf strain himself and focusing on his own return to the XI, Dhoni ensured the franchise provided every possible resource for Prem Devi’s treatment over the last 12 months.

CSK vs MI: Context of the Match

The timing of this tragedy adds a somber layer to the most-watched rivalry in IPL history.

*Standings: Both teams are currently struggling in the bottom half of the table (CSK at 8th, MI at 7th).
***Historical Rivalry:**Out of 39 encounters, MI leads with 21 wins to CSK’s 18. However, CSK has won four of the last five meetings.

Likely CSK Playing XI for Thursday:

1.Sanju Samson (wk)
2.Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
3.Sarfaraz Khan
4.Dewald Brevis
5.Shivam Dube
6.Jamie Overton
7.MS Dhoni (Subject to fitness)
8.Noor Ahmad
9.Anshul Kamboj
10.Spencer Johnson (Replacing Mukesh Choudhary)
11.Gurjapneet Singh

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning

The "Yellow Brigade" fans have flooded social media with the hashtag #WithYouMukesh. While the IPL is a spectacle of entertainment, the loss of a parent is a universal grief that transcends team loyalties. As CSK takes the field at the Wankhede, they won't just be playing for points; they will be playing for their teammate.

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• Primary Keywords: Mukesh Choudhary mother, CSK vs MI IPL 2026, MS Dhoni support Mukesh Choudhary
• Meta Description: Mukesh Choudhary mourns the death of his mother Prem Devi. Find details on the family’s battle, MS Dhoni’s support, and the impact on the CSK vs MI match.
• Categories: Cricket News, IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings.

Disclaimer: This story incorporates real-time updates as of April 23, 2026. Always verify latest scores and squad changes via official IPL channels.