CSK vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2026: Noor Ahmad's 3/21 powers CSK to 32-run victory over KKR

KKR finish with a late flourish, but it’s far from enough as CSK seal a comfortable win at Chepauk. Ramandeep Singh starts the final over with a clever boundary, while Rovman Powell adds a six towards the end, but the game is already out of reach.

Anshul Kamboj keeps his composure under pressure, striking again to remove Ramandeep with a smart change of pace, with Sarfaraz Khan pulling off a sharp catch. He sticks to his yorkers and tight lines, conceding little despite a few late hits.

Powell tries to stretch things till the end, even reviewing for a wide off the final ball, but it sums up KKR’s night, fighting, yet falling short.

A clinical all-round performance from CSK to wrap up back-to-back wins.

KKR 160/7 in 20 overs in chase of 193

Anshul Kamboj delivers a superb pressure over at the death, tightening CSK’s grip just when KKR needed a big push. Sticking to his yorkers and wide lines, he gives nothing away, forcing Ramandeep Singh and Rovman Powell into mere singles.

Despite a wide to start, Kamboj quickly regains control, nailing his lengths and denying any boundary opportunities. Even mistimed shots and edges only fetch ones, highlighting the discipline of the over.

KKR’s chase continues to lose steam as the required rate climbs sharply, with no big hits coming at a crucial stage.

A top-quality over under pressure.

KKR 138/6 in 18 overs in chase of 193

KKR finally show some fight as Ramandeep Singh injects momentum into the chase with a counterattacking burst against Jamie Overton. After a quiet start to the over, Ramandeep takes charge—upper-cutting a slower ball for four before muscling a short delivery over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Overton tries to mix it up with pace-off deliveries, but Ramandeep reads him well, finding gaps and clearing the ropes to keep hopes alive. A wide and a couple of singles add to the tally, making it a productive over for the visitors.

Rovman Powell rotates strike at the other end, but the intent clearly comes from Ramandeep as KKR look to claw back into the game.

A much-needed release of pressure after being tied down earlier.

KKR 120/6 in 16 overs in chase of 193

, wrapping up another tidy over to cap off an excellent spell. Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh look to rotate strike, but the lack of boundaries highlights CSK’s grip on proceedings.

Noor mixes his pace and variations cleverly, not allowing the batters to line him up. A couple of nudges and a brace for Powell are the only positives in an otherwise quiet over, with even a leg-bye reflecting the pressure built.

KKR are unable to break free, forced into damage control as the asking rate keeps climbing. Noor finishes with impressive figures, playing a crucial role in derailing the chase.

KKR 107/6 in 15 overs in chase of 193

Chennai Super Kings tighten their grip as Noor Ahmad spins a web around KKR’s middle order, turning the game decisively in this phase. After a quiet over from Akeal Hosein, Noor strikes twice in quick succession, removing Ajinkya Rahane and Cameron Green off consecutive deliveries, to derail the chase.

He continues to pile on the pressure in his next over, with a string of dot balls forcing errors. Rinku Singh, struggling to break free, eventually holes out under pressure, adding to KKR’s collapse. The lack of intent and mounting dots prove costly as wickets tumble rapidly.

KKR’s innings is now in complete disarray, with new batters forced into survival mode rather than counterattack. Noor’s variations, control, and smart changes of angle leave the batters clueless, while CSK capitalize with sharp fielding and relentless pressure.

A dominant spell that shifts the momentum firmly in Chennai’s favour.

KKR 91/6 in 13 overs in chase of 193

Kolkata Knight Riders suffer another setback as Akeal Hosein strikes at a crucial juncture to tighten the game.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who had looked promising, falls after failing to capitalise on an earlier reprieve, mistiming a pull straight to long-on. It’s a big wicket just as KKR were trying to rebuild.

Ajinkya Rahane survives a scare with a dropped catch and continues to anchor the innings, while Rinku Singh gets off the mark cautiously.

Hosein keeps things tight with minimal scoring opportunities, conceding just four runs in the over.

A crucial phase for CSK as they apply pressure and chip away at the wickets.

KKR 81/3 in 10 overs in chase of 193

Kolkata Knight Riders continue to rebuild with a strong over against Akeal Hosein, gaining valuable momentum in the chase.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi leads the charge, riding his luck with a dropped catch that sails for six before adding a couple more runs with confident strokeplay. Ajinkya Rahane plays a supporting role, rotating strike and keeping things steady.

Hosein mixes his pace and angles but is unable to contain the flow of runs as both batters find ways to score.

A productive over for KKR as they start to build a partnership and recover from early setbacks.

KKR 58/2 in 8 overs in chase of 193

Kolkata Knight Riders find some momentum after the powerplay as Noor Ahmad is taken on for a productive over.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi looks confident, pulling out an impressive reverse sweep for four and rotating strike smartly. Ajinkya Rahane supports well, picking up a couple and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Noor mixes his variations, including the googly, but both batters handle him well and find gaps consistently.

A positive over for KKR as they look to rebuild and regain some control in the chase.

KKR 46/2 in 7 overs in chase of 193

Kolkata Knight Riders suffer a major blow in the powerplay as Khaleel Ahmed strikes with a crucial wicket.

Sunil Narine, who had been the aggressor, falls trying to manufacture a shot, getting cramped for room and offering a simple catch. His dismissal halts KKR’s early momentum.

Ajinkya Rahane continues to struggle for fluency, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi has a watchful start at the crease.

Khaleel mixes his pace cleverly and keeps things tight, conceding just three runs while picking up a key wicket.

A big over for CSK as they tighten their grip on the chase.

KKR 31/2 in 5 overs in chase of 193

Kolkata Knight Riders continue to rely on Sunil Narine as he keeps the scoring rate healthy despite tight bowling from Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel sticks to disciplined lines and angles, making it tough for Ajinkya Rahane to break free, with the skipper managing only a single in the over.

However, Narine once again provides the spark, sitting deep in the crease and launching a length delivery over long-on for a six. He rotates strike well and ensures the momentum doesn’t dip.

A decent over for KKR thanks to Narine’s intent, even as Khaleel maintains control from the other end.

KKR 22/1 in 3 overs in chase of 193

Kolkata Knight Riders suffer an early setback despite a steady over as Anshul Kamboj provides the breakthrough.

Sunil Narine continues to look positive, picking up a boundary with a fine pull and rotating strike. However, Kamboj strikes a crucial blow by removing Finn Allen, who miscues a lofted shot and is caught in the infield.

Ajinkya Rahane walks in and gets off the mark cautiously, while Narine keeps the scoreboard ticking.

A productive over for CSK with an important early wicket, keeping the pressure on in the chase.

KKR 14/1 in 2 overs in chase of 193

Kolkata Knight Riders begin cautiously as Khaleel Ahmed keeps things tight in the opening over. Sunil Narine looks to go hard from the outset but misses a couple of early swings against movement and bounce. Khaleel tests him with varying lengths, not allowing easy scoring.

However, Narine connects once, pulling a short ball cleanly over mid-wicket for a six—the only highlight in an otherwise controlled over.

Finn Allen remains quiet at the other end. A steady start for the bowlers with just one big hit conceded.

KKR 7/0 in 1 over in chase of 193

Chennai Super Kings finish on a steady note as Kartik Tyagi delivers an excellent final over to cap off his spell.

Tyagi sticks to his plans, mixing pace and nailing his lengths, not allowing Shivam Dube or Jamie Overton to find boundaries. The batters are restricted to singles and a couple of twos, unable to generate the late surge CSK were hoping for.

A disciplined effort from Tyagi at the death ensures minimal damage in the final over.

CSK 192/5 in 20 overs

Chennai Super Kings struggle to fully capitalise despite a few extras as Vaibhav Arora endures a mixed over.

Arora sprays a few wides under pressure, gifting runs, but compensates with some well-executed wide yorkers that deny clean hitting. Shivam Dube manages a boundary with a controlled pull, but otherwise finds it hard to locate gaps.

Jamie Overton chips in with a single at the end, as CSK fail to make the most of the over despite the extras.

A slightly untidy yet effective over in the end, keeping CSK from a big finish.

CSK 184/5 in 19 overs

Chennai Super Kings lose momentum at the death as Kartik Tyagi delivers a superb over under pressure.

Tyagi removes the dangerous Dewald Brevis with a clever wide slower ball, inducing a mistimed shot that is safely caught. Brevis departs after a crucial knock just when CSK needed a final push.

New batter Jamie Overton manages a boundary, but otherwise struggles to connect as Tyagi nails his variations. Shivam Dube too finds it tough to accelerate.

A top-quality over from Tyagi, conceding just six runs and picking up a key wicket to dent CSK’s late surge.

CSK 175/5 in 18 overs

Chennai Super Kings suffer a setback as Sunil Narine strikes at a crucial moment to break the growing partnership.

Sarfaraz Khan departs after a handy knock, completely beaten by Narine’s variation as the ball turns away to hit the stumps. The wicket halts CSK’s momentum just when they were accelerating.

Dewald Brevis continues to counterattack, finding a boundary with a powerful shot through the offside, but Narine keeps things tight otherwise with clever changes in pace.

New batter Shivam Dube gets off the mark cautiously.

A solid over for Narine, breaking the stand and slowing things down at a key stage.

CSK 169/4 in 17 overs

Chennai Super Kings shift into top gear as Vaibhav Arora comes under heavy attack in a momentum-changing over.

Dewald Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan take full advantage, mixing power with a bit of luck. Brevis gets a top-edged pull to sail for six before finishing the over with a boundary, while Sarfaraz joins in with a cleanly struck six over backward square leg.

Arora struggles with his lines and lengths, conceding runs through boundaries and a wide, allowing the batters to dominate.

A massive over for CSK as the partnership flourishes and the scoring rate jumps significantly heading into the death overs.

CSK 162/3 in 16 overs

Chennai Super Kings are pulled back once again as Anukul Roy delivers a disciplined over despite a few extras.

Roy smartly bowls wide lines, especially to Dewald Brevis, not allowing him to free his arms. Both Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan struggle to find boundaries, managing only singles while also missing a few scoring opportunities.

Though a couple of wides add to the total, the over remains well-controlled, with Roy effectively slowing down the scoring rate during a crucial phase.

A tidy effort from the spinner as CSK’s momentum dips again.

CSK 142/3 in 15 overs

Chennai Super Kings break free after a quiet phase, taking on Varun Chakaravarthy with an aggressive over.

Sarfaraz Khan sets the tone with a clean six over long-on, capitalising on a rare loose delivery. Dewald Brevis then takes over, smashing back-to-back boundaries—one with power through the off side and another with a clever late cut.

Varun, who had been economical earlier, is put under pressure as both batters find gaps and accelerate the scoring.

A much-needed release for CSK as they shift gears heading into the latter half of the innings.

CSK 136/3 in 14 overs

Chennai Super Kings are further slowed down as Sunil Narine continues his tight spell, keeping the batters under pressure.

Sarfaraz Khan struggles to get going, managing just a single while also surviving a loud LBW appeal that was drifting down leg. Dewald Brevis also finds it difficult to break free, settling for a single.

Narine mixes his pace and turn cleverly, not allowing any boundary opportunities and forcing cautious play.

Another economical over that tightens the screws on CSK during the middle overs.

CSK 121/3 in 13 overs

Chennai Super Kings experience a mixed over as Kartik Tyagi strikes a crucial blow despite conceding runs.

Sanju Samson starts in style, launching a superb six over long-off to continue his fine knock. But Tyagi responds brilliantly, bringing one back with extra pace to clean him up as Samson misses a wild slog, falling just short of a half-century.

New batter Sarfaraz Khan gets off the mark confidently with a boundary, while Dewald Brevis chips in with a couple of runs.

An eventful over! Runs on the board, but the big wicket of Samson gives the bowling side a timely breakthrough.

CSK 118/3 in 12 overs

Chennai Super Kings are pegged back further as Varun Chakaravarthy delivers a superbly tight over, drying up the runs.

Sanju Samson and Dewald Brevis struggle to find gaps, managing only singles while being tested by Varun’s variations in pace and length. The spinner keeps things accurate, not offering any width or scoring opportunities.

It’s a highly economical over that builds pressure on CSK, slowing their momentum significantly in the middle phase.

CSK 105/2 in 11 overs

Chennai Super Kings reach the 100-mark as Kartik Tyagi delivers a sharp over, mixing pace and bounce to trouble the batters.

Tyagi consistently beats Dewald Brevis with raw pace and movement, forcing a couple of plays and misses. Sanju Samson too is tested with short deliveries, struggling briefly against the bounce.

However, Samson breaks the pressure in style, rocking back and slashing a short ball over point for a six. He then rotates strike to keep things moving.

A strong over from Tyagi overall, but that one big hit ensures CSK continue their steady progress.

CSK 102/2 in 10 overs

Chennai Super Kings slow down slightly as Sunil Narine delivers a tight second over, applying the brakes on scoring.

Sanju Samson and Dewald Brevis opt for caution, rotating strike with singles but unable to find the boundary. Narine varies his pace and length effectively, not allowing either batter to free their arms.

It’s a disciplined spell from the experienced spinner, building pressure after a series of higher-scoring overs and keeping CSK in check.

CSK 94/2 in 9 overs

Chennai Super Kings continue to build steadily as Varun Chakaravarthy keeps things relatively tight with his variations.

Sanju Samson finds a boundary through a thick outside edge, capitalising on width, but otherwise focuses on rotating strike. A brief moment of chaos sees his bat slip out of his hand while attempting a pull, though it still results in a single.

Dewald Brevis plays cautiously, picking up singles and respecting the spinner’s pace changes.

A controlled over from Chakaravarthy overall, with no big damage done as CSK keep the scoreboard moving without taking major risks.

CSK 89/2 in 8 overs

Chennai Super Kings keep the scoreboard ticking as Sunil Narine delivers a steady over but still concedes a big hit at the end.

Sanju Samson plays it safely against Narine, rotating strike with singles while being watchful against the spinner’s variations. New batter Dewald Brevis settles in quickly, picking up a single before making a statement.

Brevis finishes the over in style, stepping out to a fuller delivery and launching it for a massive six down the ground, injecting fresh momentum into the innings.

A controlled over overall from Narine, but that late six ensures CSK continue their strong progress.

CSK 81/2 in 7 overs

Chennai Super Kings continue their aggressive approach, with Ayush Mhatre going on a boundary spree against Vaibhav Arora.

Mhatre comes out all guns blazing, smashing three consecutive fours, mixing power and placement to dominate the over early. The young batter looks in complete control, taking on both length and short deliveries with confidence.

However, Arora sticks to his plan of testing him with short balls. After a couple of misses, the bowler finally gets his reward. Mhatre mistimes a pull, and Ramandeep Singh completes a safe catch at deep mid-wicket.

A wicket at the end brings some relief for the bowling side, but not before Mhatre’s explosive knock puts CSK firmly ahead.

CSK 72/2 in 6 overs

Chennai Super Kings continue to build steadily, though Anukul Roy keeps things under control despite conceding a big hit early in the over.

Samson starts the over with a clean six, showing confidence and intent as he takes on the spinner. However, Roy responds well, tightening his lines and not allowing further boundaries.

Mhatre finds it harder to score freely. It’s a disciplined comeback from Roy after the early damage, slowing the run flow and preventing CSK from running away with the momentum.

CSK 60/1 in 5 overs

Chennai Super Kings lose their first wicket as Anukul Roy strikes early to pull things back for the opposition.

After a steady start, Ruturaj Gaikwad falls trying to accelerate, mistiming a slog sweep straight to deep mid-wicket where Rovman Powell completes a safe catch. It’s another disappointing outing for the CSK skipper, halting early momentum.

Sanju Samson continues to rotate strike but is kept quiet by Roy’s tighter lines. New batter Ayush Mhatre settles in quickly and ends the over on a positive note, launching a straight boundary down the ground.

A tidy over overall for Roy, breaking the opening stand and slowing the scoring rate after a brisk start.

CSK 31/1 in 3 overs

Chennai Super Kings continue their positive start, though Cameron Green manages to keep things relatively tighter after the expensive first over.

Green begins a bit wayward with wides down the leg side, but settles into a better rhythm soon after. Sanju Samson keeps the scoreboard moving with singles, while Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a boundary, albeit via a thick edge past short third man.

The over sees a mix of control and luck for the batters, with Green testing them with fuller deliveries and occasional movement. While not as explosive as the first, CSK still maintain momentum through strike rotation and timely scoring.

A decent recovery from the bowler, but the batting side remains comfortably ahead in the early phase.

CSK 24/0 in 2 overs

Chennai Super Kings get off to a flying start, with Sanju Samson immediately putting pressure on Vaibhav Arora in the opening over.

Samson begins aggressively, smashing three consecutive boundaries, one through the off side, another with a crisp cut, and a streaky edge flying over slip, setting the tone early. Despite the early onslaught, Arora manages to pull things back slightly towards the end of the over with tighter lines.

Ruturaj Gaikwad gets off the mark with a single, while Samson rotates strike to keep the scoreboard ticking after the boundary burst.

It’s a high-scoring start for CSK, with early momentum firmly in their favour despite a brief recovery from the bowler.

CSK 14/0 in 1 over

Ruturaj Gaikwad: "Yes, we would have bowled first as well. But as I said, past few games here, the wicket hasn't changed much throughout the course of the game. So not much of a difference. Definitely putting a big total on the scoreboard first innings would be challenging, but as I said, it looks a really good surface. (on the last game) Yes, as I said, even in the post-match as well, I felt the bowling was really good defending 210, you know, against a strong DC side. Gave us a lot of confidence and you know, even the fielding unit was charged up. We saved few runs and that is how I think collectively we did really well. Really exciting today as well. We got a job to do and everyone is feeling confident. (talking about the team balance) Yes, I think we are slowly getting it right. Brevis coming back and Jamie giving that crucial overs in the between as well. So I think we are slowly, slowly getting the right combination and it is just about delivering each and every game and staying consistent. We are going with the same team."

Ajinkya Rahane: "Looking to bowl first. I think the last game was really good for us. Unfortunately, the result didn't go our way. But I thought the kind of cricket we played, guys are getting that confidence from the last game. It's all about starting fresh. It's important when things are not going your way, it's important to have that belief, stay positive and having those small, small moments in T20 format is really important. So, now looking forward to this game, we'll start off really well with the ball and then look to chase down the target. (on the last game) Yes, absolutely. The kind of knock Mukul played the other night was fantastic. I mean, it's going to happen in this format. As I said, it's all about belief. Guys are working really hard. For us, what matters is, putting those hard yards out, focusing on the controllables as players and, having that belief in each and every individual. As I said, the combination looked really good for us in the last game. So, yeah, thinking about this game and just wanted to be in the moment. (after a mega auction, it's tough) I mean, it is challenging after the mega auction to find the right balance and obviously the players are going through the injuries, players are unavailable. Tonight, just one change for us. Varun Chakaravarthy is fit. He's come in in place of Navdeep Saini."

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact subs - Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert, Navdeep Saini
Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry

There is no MS Dhoni in CSK's playing XI today as well. However, there is good news for KKR as Varun Chakaravarthy returns to the line-up as the bottom-placed teams lock horns in Chennai.

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed

With clear skies and a batting-friendly black soil surface expected in Chennai, conditions may dominate the narrative. Chennai Super Kings have already shown they can adapt to pace-friendly pitches.

Kolkata Knight Riders, however, must overcome both form and bowling concerns. In a tight contest, adapting to conditions quickly could make all the difference

This contest highlights an interesting contrast. Kolkata Knight Riders have seen promise from young Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, rely on experience but have also benefited from fresh contributions like Sanju Samson’s century. Balancing youth and experience could define the outcome.

Sometimes, one win can change everything. Chennai Super Kings have already taken that step. Kolkata Knight Riders are still waiting for theirs. Despite promising performances, results haven’t followed.

This match offers both teams a chance to reset their campaigns.

Being winless four games in is tough, but being the only winless team is tougher. That’s the situation Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in. They briefly shared that burden with Chennai Super Kings, but CSK’s win changed that narrative. Now, the pressure is entirely on KKR to respond. Another loss could deepen their crisis.

Chepauk is no longer the slow, spin-friendly fortress it once was. Chennai Super Kings discovered this firsthand. Their success with pace suggests a shift in conditions, one that could redefine home advantage. For Kolkata Knight Riders, adapting quickly will be crucial, especially with their bowling uncertainties.

The spotlight is firmly on underperforming stars. Kolkata Knight Riders need more from Finn Allen and Cameron Green, whose lack of runs has hurt. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been a bright spot, but one player can’t carry the batting.

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, saw Sanju Samson step up with a century. That could ease pressure on their top order. With both teams struggling, individual performances may decide the contest.

While batting has grabbed attention, bowling issues loom large, especially for Kolkata Knight Riders. Injuries and uncertainty around Varun Chakaravarthy have weakened their attack. Defending totals has been a major challenge.

Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, found success with pace at Chepauk, suggesting a shift in bowling strategy. On a batting-friendly pitch, the team that bowls smarter could have the edge.

MS Dhoni is unlikely to feature in Chennai Super Kings’ upcoming clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, despite returning to light training sessions. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has missed all four matches this season due to a calf strain and is still working towards full fitness, even though the initial two-week recovery period has ended.

In the nets, Dhoni has only faced throwdowns, mainly from batting coach Michael Hussey, and has not resumed full-intensity batting or wicketkeeping duties. He has also not travelled with the team for away games or been present at match venues, indicating that his return is not imminent.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming emphasised that Dhoni continues to play a significant role within the squad off the field, maintaining strong influence despite his absence from matches.

Dhoni’s IPL legacy remains immense. In 278 matches, he has scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries. Last season, despite CSK finishing last, he contributed 196 runs in 13 innings.

Few teams have teased promise without results like Kolkata Knight Riders this season. A 220 total against MI should have been enough, but it wasn’t.

Add a loss to SRH and a disrupted game against Punjab Kings, and the story becomes clearer. KKR aren’t finishing games.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have regained some footing with a win. Their shift to pace bowling could be key moving forward. KKR need a complete performance, not just moments, to break their winless streak.

For years, Chepauk meant spin dominance. But Chennai Super Kings may be rewriting that script. Their win over Delhi Capitals showed how effective pace at hard lengths can be on current surfaces.

Sanju Samson’s century added to the optimism, especially after a quiet start. A potential reshuffle involving Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre could further sharpen their approach. In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders are still searching for answers. They’ve had moments but no wins, making them the only winless side so far.

This game could reveal whether CSK’s new method is sustainable.

Ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk, the form of Men in Yellow skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will be in focus, as the opening batter has struggled to get going during this season so far.

After securing their first win of the season against the Delhi Capitals (DC), CSK will be aiming to continue with the newfound winning momentum, while KKR will be targeting their first win of the season after three losses and a no result.

So far in this tournament, Gaikwad has yet to touch the 30-run mark. In four innings, he has made 56 innings at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 103.70, with a best score of 28.

A very concerning aspect of Ruturaj's form is the dot-ball percentage, which has been 38.4 per cent in T20S since the start of 2025. Since the start of 2025, Ruturaj has made just 184 runs in 10 innings at an average of 18.40, with two fifties and a best score of 63.

Former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan suggested the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should use veteran wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni as an Impact Sub, especially if the team is chasing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

"If MS Dhoni is fit, then CSK should bring him in as the Impact Player. If the team management feels they need a short burst of runs from him, especially when they are chasing, then bringing him in as the Impact Sub will allow them to make the best use of his batting abilities. Playing as an Impact Player will mean he may not have to do a lot of running. He can just come in, smack the ball into the stands and do his job of finishing in style. His aggressive stroke-making ability will come in handy for Chennai when they are chasing big scores," Mitchell McClenaghan said.

A total of 13 IPL titles between them, yet all three giants, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, are struggling this season.

CSK have at least managed to halt their slide. Their win over Delhi Capitals showcased a shift in Chepauk conditions, where pace at hard lengths proved decisive. This could redefine their home strategy moving forward.

Sanju Samson’s hundred was a highlight, and a potential reshuffle involving Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre could further strengthen their top order.

KKR’s campaign has been frustrating. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance but remain winless. A high-scoring loss to MI, a defeat to SRH, and a disrupted game against Punjab Kings sum up their journey so far.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been a bright spot, but lack of runs from Finn Allen and Cameron Green has hurt. Bowling injuries and uncertainty around Varun Chakaravarthy add to their woes.

With a batting-friendly surface expected in Chennai, both teams will look to reset their seasons.

Four games into IPL 2026, the unthinkable has happened. The three most decorated teams, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, are rooted at the bottom.

KKR’s struggles stand out as they remain winless. Their performances have shown promise but lacked finishing touches. A 220-run effort against MI went in vain, while rain and defeats elsewhere compounded their misery.

CSK, however, may have found momentum. Their win over Delhi Capitals not only ended a losing streak but hinted at a shift in strategy. Pace bowling, rather than spin, proved effective at Chepauk. With Sanju Samson rediscovering form through a century, CSK look better equipped.

KKR will rely on Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s form, but concerns linger over Finn Allen and Cameron Green. Injuries have weakened their bowling, and Varun Chakaravarthy’s availability remains uncertain.

The April 14 clash in Chennai promises a batting-friendly contest under clear skies. With head-to-head numbers tight in recent years, both teams see this as a turning point.

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Ajinkya Rahane(c), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Navdeep Saini, Kartik Tyagi, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Tejasvi Dahiya, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert, Blessing Muzarabani, Saurabh Dubey, Sarthak Ranjan, Rachin Ravindra, Prashant Solanki, Varun Chakaravarthy, Matheesha Pathirana, Umran Malik, Daksh Kamra

Chennai Super Kings Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry, Ramakrishna Ghosh, MS Dhoni, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Zakary Foulkes

The combined legacy of Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians reads 13 IPL titles, an extraordinary figure in just 18 seasons. Yet, IPL 2026 has flipped the script. All three sit at the bottom, searching for answers early in the campaign.

KKR’s situation is particularly concerning. They are the only winless team so far, a tag they briefly shared with CSK before the Chennai side broke their drought against Delhi Capitals. That win may have unlocked a new approach at Chepauk, where pace and bounce replaced traditional spin dominance.

Sanju Samson’s century came as a major boost, and a tweak in the batting order involving Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre could be on the cards. KKR, meanwhile, have flattered to deceive. Despite scoring 220 against MI, they couldn’t seal the deal. Inconsistency from Finn Allen and Cameron Green hasn’t helped.

With bowling concerns and doubts around Varun Chakaravarthy, KKR face a tough test. Clear skies and a batting-friendly pitch await in Chennai, making this clash crucial for both sides.