CSK vs SRH IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bat first in their crucial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Monday. CSK supporters eagerly anticipated seeing MS Dhoni play, but Gaikwad confirmed Dhoni's absence from the starting XI against the Hyderabad franchise.
Both the teams are still in contention in the race to the playoffs. But if either team loses, then their hopes will be dented and thats why both the teams will try to win the match.
The Pat Cummins-led side are lying at the third position in the points table after scoring 14 points. If they win the upcoming match, then they will qualify for the playoffs and at the same time, the Chennai-based franchise have had a topsy-turvy campaign and are lying at the fifth position after scoring 12 points from as many matches.
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The host can surpass Punjab Kings in the points table if they win the match against the Hyderabad-based franchise.
CSK Vs SRH IPL toss update
Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bat first as the host wanted to post a mammoth target against the SRH batters. Ravi Shastr had also enquired from Gaikwad about MS Dhoni's availability and to this he revealed that the Dhoni has come to the venue but hasn't been declared fit to play the match.
They have also brought back Akeal Hossein to their playing XIas Gurjapneet Singh's replacement and have also strengthened their spin department.
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SRH skipper Pat Cummins anyway wanted to bowl first on this pitch and they have fielded the same playing XI.
CSK Vs SRH: What the captains had to say
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings Captain): "We are looking to bat first. Looks a bit dry wicket and dew is around as well. Looking to put up a good score and defend it.
[on the surface] It should stop a bit. Against Mumbai Indians, it was not the best of wickets to bat on. Anything around 200 will be a good score here.
[on needing 2 wins] Nothing complicated. It's just simple for us. We will take one game at a time. We will look to start well, assess the conditions well and put our best foot forward.
Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain): "[Can't afford any hiccups?] Yeah absolutely. Tonight's the big night for us.
[On their style of play] That's T20 cricket. IPL. You have to play in a certain style, even if it doesn't work.
[How is the mood in the camp?] The mood has been great. We know the way we play, it's not going to work every time.
Teams:
Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Smaran Ravichandran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins(c), Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Spencer Johnson