MS Dhoni Back? CSK Strongest Playing XI vs MI, IPL 2026, Match 33

Chennai Super Kings [Source: AFP]

Mumbai Indians will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). The MI vs CSK game will take place at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, April 22. This match is important for both teams, as they are currently placed near the bottom of the points table and are looking to improve their positions.

Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, have had a mixed season so far. The five-time champions have won 2 matches and lost 4, which puts them in 7th place. Even so, the team showed strong performance in their recent win against Gujarat Titans.

MI vs CSK Preview

Notably, Tilak Varma played an outstanding innings and scored a century, which gave the team a big boost. In addition, players like Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, and Allah Ghazanfar have been consistent and have contributed well throughout the tournament.

On the other hand, CSK are currently in 8th place with four losses in six matches. Therefore, they are under pressure to perform better in the upcoming games.

Adding to their problems, Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. This situation might force the team to make a few changes. So, as both teams gear up for this encounter, let’s take a look at the CSK’s playing XI vs MI.

CSK Likely Playing XI vs MI- Match 33

Openers and Top Order- Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel

The opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson has not performed consistently so far. Notably, Gaikwad has scored only 82 runs in 6 innings with an average of 13.67.

Meanwhile, Samson showed some improvement with a score of 48 against KKR and an unbeaten 115 against DC. As a result, the team is likely to continue with this opening combination.

In addition, Urvil Patel is expected to bat at number 3. Notably, he will replace the injured Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the season due to a left hamstring injury.

Notably, Patel showed promise in the previous season, scoring 68 runs in 3 innings with an impressive strike rate. Therefore, he could play an important role in stabilising the top order.

Middle Order and All Rounders- Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni/ Prashant Veer

The middle order looks slightly stronger with the return of Dewald Brevis. Even though he has not spent much time at the crease recently, he has managed to score 41 runs in 2 innings.

At the same time, Sarfaraz Khan has been one of the most reliable batters for CSK, scoring 147 runs in 5 innings at a high strike rate.

It is important to note that Shivam Dube and Jamie Overton will handle the finishing duties. Dube has been used as a flexible batter, which means he can bat in different positions depending on the match situation.

The Indian star all-rounder has scored 123 runs so far at a good strike rate. Similarly, Overton has contributed with both bat and ball. He has scored 103 runs and also taken 8 wickets, making him a valuable all-rounder.

Meanwhile, there are strong chances that MS Dhoni might return for this match. Notably, the former CSK captain was seen practising in the nets and looked comfortable while batting and keeping wickets ahead of the clash. This has raised hopes among fans.

However, if he is not fully fit, Prashant Veer could take his place in the CSK’s playing XI vs MI.

Bowlers- Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary

The bowling unit will be led by Anshul Kamboj and Mukesh Choudhary. Notably, Kamboj has been in excellent form and has taken 13 wickets in 6 matches.

Meanwhile, Mukesh Choudhary has shown good effort after joining as a replacement and picked up 2 wickets against SRH.

In the spin department, Noor Ahmad will take charge. The Afghanistan spinner did not take any wickets in the previous game, although he will aim to deliver a stronger performance in this match.

CSK Predicted Playing XI vs MI- Match 33, IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni/Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary