MI vs CSK: Why Chennai Super Kings players are wearing black armbands at Wankhede Stadium

Players of the Chennai Super Kings were seen donning black armbands during their IPL 2026 fixture against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. They wore it in memory of fast bowler Mukesh Choudhary's mother, who recently passed away.

As per reports, Mukesh lost his mother, Prema Devi, on Tuesday after her prolonged battle with illness. She was receiving treatment at the Tata Hospital in Mumbai, where she breathed her last.

The fast bowler rushed back to his hometown in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, to be with his family. Mukesh's elder brother, Dr. Rajesh Choudhary, performed the last rites for their mother.

CSK stands in solidarity with Mukesh Choudhary

The Chennai Super Kings stood together in solidarity with Choudhary and announced that their players would be wearing black armbands in memory of Mukesh's mother. On Thursday, the franchise stated on social media, saying, "This one is for Mukesh’s mother. In her memory and in solidarity with Mukesh, we wear black armbands and play with a little more in our hearts today."

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CSK had earlier shared a post mourning the loss of Choudhary's mother and keeping them in their thoughts and prayers at such a difficult juncture.

"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 wrote on 'X'.

MI opt to bowl first against CSK at Wankhede

Mumbai Indians had earlier won the toss and skipper Hardik Pandya opted to bowl first against the Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Unfortunately for fans, IPL's 'El Clásico' does not feature stalwarts like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who are recovering from their respective injuries.

MI have announced an unchanged side, while CSK have named Prashant Veer in place of Matt Short. Notably, Veer is placed among the Impact Subs, while Kartik Sharma is in the playing XI.