CSK handed massive blow ahead of IPL 2023 as star player set to miss tournament

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be gearing up for a return to the Cheepauk as the IPL 2023 is set to return to its traditional venues across the country for the first time in four years.

The four-time IPL champions will also play the opening game of this season as they take on defending champions Gujarat Titans on March 31.

But even before the start of the tournament, CSK are dealt with a big blow. They haven't had the best season in 2022, and ahead of this year, which may well be the final time MS Dhoni leads them to the field, CSK are now set to miss a star player in their team.

New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson was bought by CSK for INR 1 crore in the IPL 2023 auction. But the Kiwi all-rounder will be missing the coming months with a back injury and thus set to miss the entirety of IPL 2023.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed on Monday (February 20) that the lanky player won't play any part for them in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Jamieson is set to undergo surgery for a recurring back injury and will be out of action for at least a couple of months, thus jeopardizing his chances to feature for CSK in this season's IPL.

Jamieson has been struggling with his back for a long time as he was out with the same problem for almost seven months. He was picked up for the ongoing Test series against England but then subsequently withdrew from the squad.

It will come as a big blow to CSK, who would have had their plans with the Blackcaps all-rounder. Jamieson has played in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past. He has only played in 9 IPL games and so far hasn't done anything extraordinary in the cash-rich Indian league.