CSK vs KKR Playing 11, IPL 2026: Will MS Dhoni Play Today? Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Team News, Predicted Lineups

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 14, 2026.

This bottom-of-the-table clash features CSK with one win from four games and KKR winless (three losses and one no-result). Historically, CSK dominates the rivalry with 20 wins to KKR's 11 in 32 matches (one no-result), especially at Chepauk where they have a strong record.

Both teams underwent significant changes after the 2026 mega auction. CSK retained core players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and brought in Sanju Samson as a key wicketkeeper-batter. KKR made bold moves, including the record signing of Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore, but face early bowling concerns due to injuries.

CSK vs KKR Team News

Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

CSK earned their first win of the season against Delhi

Capitals recently, boosted by Sanju Samson's century, the first of IPL 2026. Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the side, while MS Dhoni remains unavailable due to injury recovery and is likely to feature only as an impact player or later in the season. The squad blends experience with youth, featuring retained players like Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis, alongside new additions such as Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Jamie Overton. The spin department suits Chepauk's slow, turning pitches, while the pace attack relies on Khaleel and emerging talents. CSK will look to exploit home conditions and Samson's form to climb the table.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

KKR struggles early in the season, with their pace bowling depleted by injuries (e.g., Harshit Rana and others sidelined). Captain Ajinkya Rahane leads a rebuilt side that retained Rinku Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi while adding explosive overseas firepower like Finn Allen, Cameron Green, and Rovman Powell. Sunil Narine remains a key all-round threat, but the absence of full-strength pacers have been an issue. KKR need their top order to fire and middle-order finishers like Rinku to deliver if they are to secure their first win.

CSK vs KKR Predicted Playing 11

CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh

Impact Players: Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma

KKR: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Navdeep Saini, Kartik Tyagi

Impact Players: Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Tim Seifert, Manish Pandey