No MS Dhoni? CSK Strongest XI vs GT For IPL 2026, Match 66

MS Dhoni for CSK - (Source: AFP)

On Thursday, May 21, Chennai Super Kings will lock horns against Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026 match 66. The two teams will square off at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the last league-stage match for CSK and GT.

It is a crucial match for both teams, but especially for CSK. Gujarat Titans have already qualified for the playoffs, while CSK are placed 6th on the table with 12 points in 13 matches. It is Men in Yellow’s last chance to enter the top four.

CSK vs GT Preview

For Gujarat Titans, they have already qualified, but will bring their top game because they now look to finish in the top 2. Therefore, a few changes are expected as the Shubman Gill-led side are fresh off a defeat against KKR.

For Chennai Super Kings, the fans were left disappointed to not see MS Dhoni in action against SRH. Now there is a curiosity whether the 44-year-old will return to action in their last league stage match. Therefore, this article will shed light on CSK’s strongest XI vs GT for IPL 2026 match 66.

CSK Likely Playing XI vs GT- Match 66

Openers and Top Order (Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel)

CSK’s top-order is sorted, and it needs no restructuring. Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad will open the innings. However, the duo need to return to form with the bat. Notably, in the last three innings, Samson has got the start but failed to convert into a big start.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad is also struggling and has scored just 321 runs in 13 innings. He averages 29.18 with a strike-rate of 120.68. Further, Urvil Patel has been great and is the best batter in recent matches, given that he accelerates the innings at a commendable pace.

Middle Order and All Rounders (Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan)

In the middle-order, Chennai Super Kings will go ahead with Kartik Sharma, who has been their find of the season. The right-handed batter scored a quickfire 32 off 19 against SRH and will headline the middle-order.

Rest, Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube will be there despite an inconsistent season for the duo. One change that the Men in Yellow might make in the middle-order will be to bring back Sarfaraz Khan in the middle-order.

Notably, Prashant Veer has not been doing well with the bat, and the captain is not using him with the ball. Therefore, it is better to bring in a more specialised batter. Notably, there are reports that MS Dhoni has returned home, and he won’t be up for selection against Gujarat Titans.

Bowlers (Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein, Mukesh Choudhary)

In bowling, CSK have not been up to mark, but they have a few options left in the tank because of injuries. Therefore, they will go ahead with Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein, and Mukesh Choudhary.

CSK Strongest Playing XI vs GT- Match 66, IPL 2026

Sanju Samson (Wk)
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
Urvil Patel
Kartik Sharma
Dewald Brevis
Shivam Dube
Sarfaraz Khan
Noor Ahmad
Anshul Kamboj
Akeal Hosein
Mukesh Choudhary