CSK, GT eye reset after patchy first half

We are at the halfway stage in IPL 2026 and this is where the business really picks up in terms of qualification. To ensure they don't get into that zone, both Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans will need a reset heading into this second half.

Both teams have played seven, winning just three and losing four. While CSK's stuttering run has been highlighted, GT's results have slipped under the radar. GT have made the playoffs three times in four years, winning once. Barely 40 hours after their morale-sapping loss at Chinnaswamy despite posting 200+, they take the field at Chepauk.

GT have a fantastic top three but questions linger over their middle order. With little turnaround time, GT have no room to explore and must rely on their existing template.

CSK go into this fixture with reinforced confidence after a crushing win over MI at Wankhede. Had that gone their way, it could have been four wins on the trot after starting with three losses. The batting department no longer has Ayush Mhatre, while the bowling took a hit after Khaleel Ahmed's injury. The batting relies significantly on Sanju Samson who has smashed two centuries already.

The big question: will MS Dhoni play or not?

When: CSK vs GT, April 26 at 3:30 PM IST
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
What to expect: Peak summer day game. CSK's spin duo found help in the last game against KKR.
Head to head: CSK 4 – 4 GT

Injuries/Unavailabilities: MS Dhoni's participation is in doubt. He sprinted on the eve of the game and batted in nets. Head coach Stephen Fleming offered phrases like 'progressing well' and 'road to recovery'.

Tactics & Matchups: Akeal Hosein has dismissed Shubman Gill twice in T20s, conceding 31 off 29 balls. He also has a good record against 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

Injuries/Unavailabilities: No new injuries from GT camp.

Tactics & Matchups: Jason Holder has dismissed Samson four times in 11 innings. Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have dismissed him a combined 5 times. Rashid Khan has conceded at a strike rate of just 112.03 against him.

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

Key Stats:

• Noor Ahmad has the most wickets in middle overs since IPL 2025
• GT's batters from No.5 to No.8 average the least (17.67) in the IPL since 2025
• Sanju Samson's strike rate against short balls: 324.13 (T20 WC) & 236.36 (IPL 2026)

Quote: "Nothing but support. He's a quality player, and a young captain that's working himself into the role. I know he's getting a lot of heat from outside, but he's very well respected within the side." — Stephen Fleming on Ruturaj Gaikwad