CSK’s last shot at playoffs as they face GT:No MS Dhoni yet again in Chennai’s must-win match; Gujarat ahead in head-to-head record

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will have their eyes firmly planted on the remaining spot in the playoffs as they take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 66 of IPL 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat on 21 May. For CSK, this match is an absolute must-win and additionally, they would also have to depend on other results going their way to qualify. GT, in contrast, find themselves in the playoffs already with eight wins in 13 matches. The Shubman Gill-led side has been a picture of consistency in the last five years, winning the trophy in their inaugural season and qualifying for the playoffs four times in five seasons. GT had beaten CSK the last time these two teams met this season, at Chepauk on 26 April. Both teams head into this clash on the back of defeats. Gujarat Titans were beaten by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a high-scoring contest at the Eden Gardens, while CSK were humbled at home by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. MS Dhoni, who missed all matches for CSK this season so far, will reportedly sit out of this clash as well. This match is also a repeat of the 2023 final, where CSK had trumped the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium to secure a record-equaling fifth title. Will CSK be able to clinch a win in their last group match of the season at the same venue where they made history? GT vs CSK, IPL 2026 Match Details Match: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings, match 66
Date: 21 May, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST, toss at 7:00 PM
How to watch: Star Sports network (Telecasting), JioHotstar (Streaming)
Where to follow: Follow live updates from the match on the Bhaskar English app. GT vs CSK head-to-head record Gujarat Titans hold a slight edge over the Chennai Super Kings when it comes to head-to-head records. The two teams have played a total of nine matches so far. GT have secured five wins while CSK have four victories to their name. Sai Sudharsan, Kagiso Rabada leading lights for Titans Gujarat Titans have had a number of stellar performers and Sai Sudharsan and Kagiso Rabada have been their best. Sudharsan has continued his consistency from the last season, scoring 554 runs in 13 matches so far. On the other hand, Rabada’s bowling performance has been a big reason behind GT’s success this season. The South African pacer has picked up 21 wickets in 13 matches so far with his best figures of 3/25. Sanju Samson, Anshul Kamboj key for CSK’s success Sanju Samson has had a memorable first year for the Chennai Super Kings and the five-time champions would rely on him. The right-hander has scored 477 runs in 13 matches so fa with two centuries. Anshul Kamboj on the other hand, has been CSK’s leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets in 13 matches so far. But his performances in the last few matches have not been impressive. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Samson three times in 28 balls The GT vs CSK clash offers a feisty showdown between Samson and Rabada. Samson has scored 37 runs off the 28 balls he has faced off Rabada in the IPL. However, Rabada has seemed to have an edge over this rivalry, dismissing Samson three times while maintaining an economy rate of 7.92. Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium has been known to be a flat one and hence, it is likely that there would be plenty of runs on offer in this match. Pacers will have bounce and carry in the initial overs. Batting might get easier as the game progresses and hence, teams will depend on taking wickets in the powerplay. Ahmedabad weather report The weather in Ahmedabad is expected to be humid in Ahmedabad for a good game of cricket. The temperature is expected to be around 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. There are no chances of rain during this match.