Ntini, Morkel miss Super Kings' opener

Chennai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead a 17-member Chennai Super Kings squad for their opening fixture against Punjab Kings at Mohali, Chandigarh, on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament.

The squad is without South Africans, Makhaya Ntini and Albie Morkel, who are expected to join the team on April 26 in time for the Chennai Super Kings' next game against Royal Challengers in Bangalore.

The two players will also miss the team's first home game on April 23 against Mumbai Indians.

Also missing is former India opening bowler Lakshmipathi Balaji, who is still to recover fully from injuries.

Other foreign recruits including Stephen Fleming and Jacob Oram (both New Zealand), Michael Hussey and Matthew Hayden (both Australia) and Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) are expected to feature.