Hardik Pandya alongside Suryakumar Yadav & Jasprit Bumrah. PC- AFP
IPL 2026 is all set for its second El Clásico, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday, May 2.
Both sides are performing poorly, playing like mere shadows of their former selves. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad's CSK still have the chance to stand & rise, the other five-time champions are having one of their worst season in IPL's history.
In their previous outing, MI were able to submit a massive total of 243/5, thanks to Ryan Rickelton's 55-ball 123, as he challenged Rohit Sharma's legacy within his two years for MI. However, the bowling, led by Jasprit Bumrah, had another unmemorable day at the office, as SRH chased down the target in just 18.4 overs.
Ahead of the IPL El Clásico, let us look at what could be the MI Playing XI vs CSK at Chepauk.
MI Playing XI vs CSK, IPL 2026, Match 44
Top Order: Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav
The opening pair of Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks was the biggest positive in the MI Playing XI in their previous outing. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for MI when the two opened the innings vs SRH. As Rickelton hit the third century of the season for MI, Jacks played a fine hand for his 22-ball 46, playing his match game in the IPL 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav has to be the biggest disappointment for MI this season. After 8 innings, SKY has scored just 162 runs at an average of just over 20, with a best of 51. Although he is still the most experienced batter in the MI Playing XI vs CSK, Suryakumar will face enormous pressure to perform.
Also Read: Mumbai Indians Star Ruled Out Of Cricket For 1 Month
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Robin Minz
In this awful season, Naman Dhir has been faring well for the five-time champions. Although he started off well against SRH, his stay was cut short by Praful Hinge in the 14th over, but only after two beautiful strokes in his innings.
As MI are using Tilak Varma as a finisher, he is getting minimal time to prove his mettle. However, he will still remain a vital cog of the MI Playing XI vs CSK. Just like Varma, Robin Minz also didn't get much time in the middle, but he would like to prove himself a part of the MI Playing XI.
Skipper Hardik Pandya had a good time with the bat as he slammed 31 off 15 balls, but he failed to give MI a brilliant finish. Moreover, he dismissed Travis Head, but he was only hit all across the park apart from that. Mumbai will hope for a better outing from their skipper.
Bowlers: Corbin Bosch, Jasprit Bumrah, Allah Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar
As MI pacers have just a mere shadow of themselves, especially with Jasprit Bumrah under firing. The maestro seamer has bagged just two wickets in eight innings, and he was smoked for 0/54 by SRH batters. However, what Bumrah would need is support from the other end.
Therefore, they could include Corbin Bosch in the MI Playing XI vs CSK. He is someone who can bowl at 145+ kph, and his hit-the-deck style of bowling is what Mumbai is missing.
Allah Ghazanfar may have gone for 51 runs in his four overs, but the mystery spinner bagged two big wickets for MI in the last game. He has been the only wicket-taker in this MI Playing XI. Thus, he will likely retain his spot.
Last but not the least will be Ashwani Kumar’s name in the MI Playing XI vs CSK. The young seamer had an off day vs SRH, but he might come in handy at Chepauk if given the new ball. Although Shardul Thakur, who has played multiple seasons for CSK, can also be a great addition to the MI bowling attack. However, after not getting to either bat or ball in the last game, as an Impact Player, may be hampered in his confidence. There could be a toss-up between Shardul and Sherfane Thakur for the Impact Player’s position.
MI Playing XI vs CSK- Match 44, IPL 2026
Will Jacks
Ryan Rickelton (wk)
Suryakumar Yadav
Naman Dhir
Tilak Varma
Hardik Pandya (c)
Robin Minz
Corbin Bosch
Jasprit Bumrah
Allah Ghazanfar
Ashwani Kumar
CSK vs MI Impact Player Options
RR Impact Players: Sherfane Rutherford, Shardul Thakur, Raj Angad Bawa, Mayank Rawat, Raghu Sharma
Also Read: Tamim Iqbal Clears Shakib Al Hasan's Future For Bangladesh Cricket
