Chepauk Challenge: CSK Eye Win vs Stuttering GT
Last match: Crushed MI by 103 runs at Wankhede. Posted 207/6, bowled MI out for 104Sanju Samson in beast mode: Unbeaten 101 vs MI, also 101* vs DC earlier. Acquired from RR in pre-season trade Season: 3 wins from 7, 5th on table. Started 0-3 but beat DC, KKR, MI since Chepauk record: Won 2 of 3 home games this season Dhoni watch: MS Dhoni has missed first 7 games with calf strain. Training at “full intensity” and nearing fitness, but decision still pending. Kartik Sharma playing at No.6 to keep slot open for Dhoni.
Gujarat Titans – Stuttering
Last 2 games: Lost by 99 runs to MI, then 5 wickets to RCB despite Sai Sudharsan’s century Position: 5th with 4 points from 4 games, but momentum goneIssues: Middle order averaging just 17.67 since 2025 — lowest in IPL. Bowling still strong with Rashid, Siraj, Rabada
Chennai heat: 3:30 PM start at Chepauk. Expect 38-40°C, humidity, slow turner Key matchups: Akeal Hosein has dismissed Shubman Gill twice in 29 balls, concedes just 31 runs. Also good vs Jos Buttler GT’s plan vs Samson: Jason Holder has Samson out 4 times in 11 innings. Siraj + Rabada have 5 dismissals combined
The match will be played on pitch no. 6. Of the last five IPL games played on this particular surface, teams batting first have won three. Given it's an afternoon match - and the weather is expected to be hot and humid - there is a case to bat first after winning the toss.
Probable XIs
CSK: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh
GT: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj
Bottom line: CSK are rolling with Samson’s form and a spin-heavy attack perfect for Chepauk heat. GT are “stuttering” with 2 straight losses and a shaky middle order, but have the bowling to trouble CSK if Gill-Buttler fire. The big subplot — will Dhoni return for his first game of IPL 2026 ?
