🏏IPL 2026: CSK vs GT, 37th Match, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai🏏

🏏IPL 2026: CSK vs GT, 37th Match, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 26/04/2026 at 3:30PM IST🏏

CSK host stuttering GT in Chennai heat

Both teams have three wins from seven games but seem to be heading in opposite directions

Same record, different trajectories

At the halfway stage of IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have an identical record: seven matches, three wins, four losses. But the two teams seem to be heading in opposite directions.

While both teams have their flaws, things seem to be finally looking up for CSK after their win against Mumbai Indians (MI). Sanju Samson has played a key role in that. Having started the season with three single-digit scores, he has made two hundreds and 48 in the last four games. Apart from him, Noor Ahmad too has rediscovered his form after an indifferent start. In the last three matches, he has picked up five wickets at an economy rate of 6.50. On Sunday afternoon, CSK will also have the advantage of playing at home.

GT are coming into this game on the back of two defeats. While CSK's problems are related to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube's form, GT's are structural. In the absence of a strong middle order, their top three are forced to play low-risk cricket. That has resulted in GT taking 18.3 balls on average to hit a six, the worst rate in the tournament. For context, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru clear the boundary every 7.6 and 9.4 balls, respectively. GT's approach puts pressure on their bowling attack to deliver the goods, which is not always possible in this era of Impact Player and flat pitches.

Team Watch

Chennai Super Kings

Injuries/Unavailabilities: As mentioned earlier, the question hangs over MS Dhoni's participation. Dhoni sprinted around for a while on the eve of the game and also batted in the nets. Phrases like 'progressing well' and 'road to recovery' were offered by head coach Stephen Fleming a day before the game.

Tactics & Matchups: Akeal Hosein has a very good matchup against Shubman Gill in T20 cricket, conceding only 31 runs off the 29 balls he has bowled to him and dismissing him twice. Thankfully for CSK, Hosein also has a pretty good record against GT's No.3 Jos Buttler.

Probable XII: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary

Gujarat Titans

Injuries/Unavailabilities: No new injuries to report from the GT camp.

Tactics & Matchups: GT have several options as a solid matchup against CSK's in-form opener. Jason Holder, who just made his GT debut in the last game, has dismissed Samson four times in 11 innings. New ball bowlers Mohd. Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have dismissed him a combined 5 times whereas Rashid Khan has conceded at a SR of just 112.03.

Probable XII: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Pitch Report

The surface at MA Chidambaram Stadium has evolved into a more batting-friendly venue in recent seasons. While it no longer offers the same level of assistance to spinners as in the past, players like Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad will still look to extract whatever turn is available. That said, bowlers who can hit the deck hard may find some assistance, making pace-off variations and disciplined lengths key factors on this pitch.

Chennai Weather Forecast

The forecast for the match in Chennai indicates partly sunny conditions with a high temperature of 33°C and a low of 27°C. For the 3:30 PM LOCAL start, players and fans should prepare for significant heat, further intensified by a high UV index of 9, necessitating sun protection. Humidity levels are expected to hover around 59%, which will make the afternoon session particularly gruelling for the fast bowlers and heavy hitters. A steady 15 mph wind from the south may provide some relief and could influence aerial shots toward the boundaries. While there is a minimal 10% chance of rain during the day, decreasing to 5% at night, no major weather interruptions are anticipated. These conditions suggest the pitch may remain dry and abrasive, likely aiding spinners as the match progresses through the afternoon heat.

CSK vs GT Head to Head T20 Record

Matches Played 08

Won by Chennai Super Kings 04

Won by Gujarat Titans 04

Tied 00

No Result 00

First-ever Fixture April 17, 2022 (GT won)

Most-recent Fixture May 25, 2025 (CSK Won)

When: CSK vs GT, IPL 2026, April 26 at 3:30 PM IST

Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

What to expect: It's peak summer now in Chennai. The players will be challenged with this game being a day game. CSK's spin duo found a bit of help in the last game against KKR and that could well be the case again, especially in the second half of the fixture.

Head to head: CSK 4 - 4 GT

CSK vs GT Probable Best Performers of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill, captain of Gujarat Titans, could be the key batter in this clash. He has scored 297 runs in six matches, including three fifties, and has been the leading run-scorer for his side. His start at the top will be crucial for setting the tone, and a strong innings from him could help Gujarat Titans regain their winning momentum.

Probable Best Bowler: Noor Ahmad

Noor Ahmad

Noor Ahmad could be a key bowler in this clash for Chennai Super Kings. The left-arm wrist-spinner has picked up six wickets in seven matches and has been economical with the ball. He has already delivered crucial breakthroughs at MA Chidambaram Stadium and has proven to be a match-winner for the five-time champions. His ability to control the middle overs and pick timely wickets could play a decisive role once again.

Today's Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match

Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans

CSK

Second To Bat

Powerplay: 45-55

185-195

GT

Second To Bat

Powerplay: 40-50

190-200

Win Probability

CSK 50%

GT 50%

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

In the spotlight: Akeal Hosein and Prasidh Krishna

After Khaleel Ahmed's injury, CSK were missing a new-ball seamer. But left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein is more than equipped to do the job. Hosein is better known for his ability to swing the new ball, but against MI, he showed he could turn it as well. He fetched Danish Malewar's outside edge and beat Naman Dhir's to pick up two wickets in his first two overs.

Prasidh Krishna picked up 11 wickets in the first five games of the season but in the last two, he's picked up just one and gone for 14.16 per over. It's not just about the economy rate; he seems to be straying from the hard length that brought him all the success. GT need him to be back to his best if they are to control the middle overs.

Did you know:

- No one has picked more wickets than Noor Ahmad in the middle overs since IPL 2025.

- GT's batters from No.5 to No.8 average the least (17.67) in the IPL since 2025.

- 324.13 & 236.36 - Sanju Samson's strike rate against short balls in the T20 WC and the ongoing IPL