MS Dhoni for CSK in IPL. Image Credits: AFP
For the 63rd match of the IPL 2026 season, CSK will take on SRH on Monday, May 18. The game will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai at 7:30 PM IST.
It’s a high-pressure clash for both sides, but for very different reasons. CSK are effectively in knockout mode now after their damaging defeat to LSG, while Sunrisers Hyderabad are chasing a top-two finish despite coming off a humiliating batting collapse against the Gujarat Titans.
For Chennai, everything revolves around Ruturaj Gaikwad providing stability at the top. The bigger concern is the middle order.
Players like Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson cannot allow the innings to stagnate through overs 7-15 because SRH’s bowling attack has enough wicket-taking options to squeeze pressure quickly.
With stakes so high, let’s see how CSK’s strongest playing XI for this game would be.
CSK Playing XI vs SRH - IPL 2026, Match 63
Top Order - Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel
CSK’s top order is fairly settled. Openers Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad have worked well together. Samson, for instance, has scored 450 runs in 12 games at a 50.00 average.
At no. 3 in the CSK Playing XI vs SRH, Urvil Patel went ballistic against LSG, scoring 65 off 23 balls, showing his true potential. Hence, given his recent form, Patel will be backed to bat in the top order.
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Middle Order - Dewald Brevis, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni
In the middle order, Dewald Brevis and Kartik Sharma will be tasked with anchoring the innings. Brevis has been a letdown this season, scoring 99 runs only. However, his six-hitting skills cannot be undermined at this stage.
Kartik has played well considering that this is his debut season, scoring 244 runs. However, strike rate has been an issue which he needs to fix.
Shivam Dube and Prashant Veer will play the role of finishers. Their form has been inconsistent as well. But currently, CSK are out of options in the CSK Playing XI vs SRH due to a severe injury crisis in the squad.
While MS Dhoni's availability remains under clouds, he might step on the field for one last time, given he had stated that he might play his last T20 in Chennai.
However, he has reportedly recovered from the calf injury, the former legend is against the idea of ruining the team combination, especially with a playoff berth at stake. It will be interesting to see if he walks out to bat for the last time in Chepauk.
Bowlers - Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Mukesh Choudhary
Anshul Kamboj bowled an unexpected spell in CSK’s last game against LSG, where he conceded 63 runs in just 2.4 overs as CSK lost the game in 16.4 overs.
However, Kamboj has also been CSK’s highest wicket-taker of the IPL 2026 season with 19 wickets in 12 games. Hence, he will be backed for this fixture. Mukesh Choudhary will be his partner in the pace attack.
As for spinners, CSK must drop Spencer Johnson for Akeal Hosein for this game against SRH. The Chepauk surface usually rewards spinners, and Hosein will thrive on it.
For the impact player, CSK will go for Gurjapneet Singh as the third pace option. Shivam Dube can also chip in if any of the pacers ends up having a bad day.
CSK Playing XI vs SRH- Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Mukesh Choudhary
CSK vs SRH Impact Player Options
CSK Impact Players vs SRH: Gurjapneet Singh, Prashant Veer, Matt Short, Matt Henry
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