MS Dhoni’s participation uncertain as CSK host struggling GT:Samson vs Siraj in spotlight, can Gujarat avoid hat-trick of losses?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Gujarat Titans (GT) in an important mid-season clash on Sunday, 26 April at the iconic MA Chidambaran Stadium. Both teams are fighting for a place in the top four, which makes this battle crucial. MS Dhoni’s participation in the playing XI remains uncertain, while Shubman Gill is eyeing a return to winning ways after two consecutive defeats. The match will start at 03:30 PM IST. CSK head into this match with solid momentum, having improved their performances in recent games, while GT are under pressure after suffering consecutive defeats and will be eager to bounce back. With both teams tied on six points, this contest could prove crucial in determining their position on the points table and their push for a playoff spot. Notably, both teams will face each other two times this season. In 2025, on 25 May, Chennai defeated Gujarat by 83 runs in the only match these two teams had last season. Batting first, CSK scored 230 runs as Devon Conway (52) and Dewald Brevis (57) lit up the Narendra Modi Stadium. In response, GT failed to chase 231 runs and were bundled for 147 runs in 18.3 overs. Can Gujarat Titans bounce back and beat the Chennai Super Kings? Uncertainty continues to hover around MS Dhoni’s participation. While CSK head coach Stephen Fleming shared that Dhoni was nearing fill fitness, an Indian Express report stated that the ex-captain was reluctant to return to action believing he would take up a youngster’s spot. CSK vs GT, IPL 2026, Match Details Match Info: Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans, Match 36 Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Time: 3:30 PM IST, toss at 3:00 PM IST Where to watch: Star Sports Network (Broadcast), JioHotstar (Streaming) Where to follow: Catch all live updates on the Bhaskar English App CSK vs GT, head-to-head record Chennai and Gujarat have met 8 times in the IPL, with both teams winning 4 matches each. CSK’s highest score against GT is 230 and lowest is 133, while GT’s top total is 231 and lowest is 143. With such evenly matched records and high-scoring games, their contests remain exciting for fans.
Sanju Samson, Anshul Kamboj keep CSK’s mission alive For Chennai, Sanju Samson is the leading run-scorer with the bat as he has scored 293 runs with a strike rate of 178.65 in this season so far. In seven matches, Samson hammered two centuries for the franchise against the Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. Anshul Kamboj with the ball has taken the most wckets for the side. He has taken 14 wickets in seven matches and has conceded runs with an economy of 8.93. Shubman Gill’s resilence, Prasidh Krishna’s stunnning ‘Impact’ Shubman Gill is the leading run-scorer with the bat as he has scored 297 runs with a strike rate of 149.24 in six matches for Gujarat. ‘Impact Player’ Prasidh Krishna with the ball has taken the most wckets for the side. He has taken 12 wickets in seven matches and has conceded runs with an economy of 10.34. Sanju Samson vs Mohammed Siraj: Battle in spotlight at Chepauk Sanju Samson had scored 40 runs, facing 35 balls with a strike rate of 114.28 in in the tournament history. On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj with the ball had dismissed Sanju for three times in the past and he had conceded runs with a cheap economy of 6.85 against Samson. MA Chidambaram Stadium, pitch report The surface at the Chepauk Stadium has evolved into a more batting-friendly venue this season. While it no longer offers the same level of assistance to spinners as in the past, players like Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan will still look to extract whatever turn is available. Bowlers who can hit the deck hard may find some assistance, making pace-off variations and disciplined lengths key factors on this pitch. The team winning the toss should elect to bat first as the afternoon game won’t see that dew factor coming into the play. Chennai weather report On Sunday afternoon, the weather is expected to be clear. The temperature will be between 33°C and 37°C. There is no chance of precipitation. Although the wind gusts at a speed of 24 kmph might provide some relief to the spectators. However, the humidity will increase upto 63% in Chennai.