CSK vs KKR - (Source: ScreenGrab/Hotstar)
On Tuesday, April 14, two IPL heavyweights, CSK and KKR locked horns at the Chepauk Stadium for IPL 2026 match 22. The two teams are placed 9th and 10th on the table and it is a crucial match to gain momentum.
Talking about the toss - two captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane walked down the middle for the coin flip. The luck favoured KKR captain and the visiters opted to field first.
Shedding light on the team changes - Varun Chakaravarthy recovers from his injury and replaces Navdeep Saini in the playing XI. For CSK, they have made no changes to their playing XI and MS Dhoni continues to be out of the team.
CSK vs KKR IPL 2026: Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi
Also Read: Virat Kohli Injury Update: RCB Legend Hits Nets With A Protective Gear
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed
CSK vs KKR IPL 2026: Captains Thoughts
Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders Captain): "We will bowl first. The last game was really good for us. Unfortunately it didn't go our way. Guys are getting the confidence from the last game. It's all about starting fresh. Important venue.
When things are not going your way, it's important to have that belief and being positive. Having those small moments is important in T20 cricket. Looking forward to this game. To start well with the ball and then chase the total down.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings Captain): "Yes, we would've bowled first as well but in the past two games, the wicket hasn't changed much throughout the course of the game. So, it won't be much of a difference. We want to put a big score on the board but yes, the wicket looks challenging.
(On reflecting on the positives in the last game) As I said in the post match presentation, our bowling unit bowled well against a strong DC side. Even the fielding unit did a great job. Boys are charged up tonight for this contest.
CSK vs KKR IPL 2026: Impact Subs
Kolkata Knight Riders: Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert, Navdeep Saini
Chennai Super Kings: Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Matthew Short, Matt Henry
Why Is MS Dhoni Not Playing Today?
MS Dhoni suffered a side-strain injury before the start of IPL 2026. He missed the first four games but was reported to be returning against KKR at Chepauk. However, the India legend again missed out and the wait is getting longer.
The 44-year-old practised in the nets and isn't far away from making his CSK return. However, the fans who turned up at the Chepauk Stadium are upset as they couldn't get to see their idol in action.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav To Be Sacked As India Captain? Latest Update Brings Trouble For MI Star
.jpg?type=mq "Update on SKY Future")
