Noor Ahmad Out? CSK Strongest Playing XI vs KKR for IPL 2026, Match 22

CSK Strongest Playing XI vs KKR. Credits - AP

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally won its first game of the season (IPL 2026), beating the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last game. On Tuesday, the five-time champions will be at loggerheads against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Finally, Sanju Samson gave fruitful returns as he smacked the first century of the IPL 2026. Chetta, as they say, was well-aided by Ayush Mhatre with an unbeaten 59. As a result, Chennai posted 212/2.

Later, the CSK bowlers hunt down the DC batters, with Jamie Overton (4 wickets) and Anshul Kamboj (3 wickets) helping the team's cause. Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh and Noor Ahmad also chipped in a wicket each. Eventually, Delhi were bowled out for 189 runs, as CSK won the game by 23 runs.

Ahead of Chennai's next clash, let us look at how CSK Playing XI vs KKR could pan out.

CSK Playing XI vs KKR, IPL 2026, Match 22

Top Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre

Sanju Samson was a treat to watch against DC. He smacked the first century of the season - 115 off 56 balls. He regained his from the 2026 T20 World Cup, as he punished the Delhi bowlers. Now, Samson will be the biggest positive in the CSK Playing XI vs KKR.

Although Chetta fired, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad flopped in the previous game. The stylish batter couldn't get going despite facing 18 balls. After four outings, Gaikwad has also scored 56 runs at a strike rate of 103.70. He needs to start firing; the CSK management might drop their captain to the number 3 spot.

Despite batting one down, Ayush Mhatre has picked up in the IPL 2026 where he left off last year. The U19 World Cup-winning captain has already smacked a spellbinding 73, and he was equally good against DC, where he scored a 36-ball 59 before retiring out.

Also Read: Ayush Mhatre Issues Official Statement On CSK Retiring Him Out

Middle Order & All-Rounders: Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Prashant Veer

Dewald Brevis returned to the CSK playing XI for the first time in CSK vs DC. However, he didn't get his opportunity. Despite the track being a batting paradise, the Proteas smasher wasn't asked to bat. If he had gone out to bat, the score might have been 230-240 instead of 212/2.

There is no question about Shivam Dube’s place in the CSK Playing XI vs KKR, as the burly left-hander will be Chennai’s biggest weapon vs KKR’s lethal spin option. Additionally, Sarfaraz Khan has the same mettle to take down spinners as Dube does.

One tactical change that the Super Kings should make is to play Prashant Veer, considering the number of right-handers KKR possesses. The left-arm spin all-rounder hasn't bowled at all in the IPL 2026, but he might be included given Noor Ahmad’s form in this tournament.

The young and talented Kartik Sharma may come in as the Impact Player if CSK bats second.

Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh

Akeal Hosein made his CSK debut in their previous outing, although he was just given a spell of two overs. Given his calibre to bowl in all phases, he will be a prime bowler in the CSK Playing XI vs KKR.

It is worth mentioning that Kolkata have just one left-hander in their top seven. Thus, Noor Ahmad's dependence becomes nearly zilch. Also, the left-arm wrist-spinner's form this season has been awful. He might be dropped from the CSK Playing XI.

Anshul Kambooj has been the most impressive bowler for CSK so far. With eight wickets in four outings, the Haryana Hurricane has been the third-highest wicket-taker.

Along with Kambooj, Khaleel Ahmed and Gurjapneet Singh were more than handy with the ball against the Capitals. The two will again be key for Chennai.

CSK Predicted Playing XI vs KKR- Match 22, IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
Sanju Samson (WK)
Ayush Mhatre
Dewald Brevis
Shivam Dube
Sarfaraz Khan
Prashant Veer
Akeal Hosein
Anshul Kamboj
Khaleel Ahmed
Gurjapneet Singh