The rivalry between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will resume when the two heavyweights of the Indian Premier League (IPL)
lock horns on Thursday, April 23, in Match 33 of the 2026 season at the Wankhede Stadium.
CSK have picked up four points from their opening six matches of the season to find themselves eighth in the points table. It seemed like the five-time champions had turned a corner in their form after winning back-to-back games against the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders, only for them to suffer defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game.
CSK are currently in the midst of an injury crisis within their squad. They are without both Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre for the rest of the season, with the pair picking up long-term injuries.
Despite their concerns, the Chennai-based outfit possesses a strong batting unit, with Sanju Samson and Sarfaraz Khan showing great form so far this season. MS Dhoni is also on the verge of returning to the playing XI to bolster their team and their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
Here is CSK’s strongest predicted XI vs MI, Match 33, IPL 2026:
Top Order: Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Urvil Patel
In the absence of Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson is now CSK’s leading run-scorer this season. The former Rajasthan Royals captain has gone on to score 192 runs at a strike rate of 174.54. This includes an unbeaten 115 he hit against the Delhi Capitals on home soil.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form, however, is a worry for the side. The skipper has scored just 82 runs all season long, at an average of 13.66. And with Mhatre out, CSK could go with Urvil Patel at number three. He played just three games last season but scored at a strike rate of 212.50.
Middle Order: Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (WK)
CSK’s middle-order has been led by the presence of Sarfaraz Khan. He has scored 147 runs this season at a strike-rate of 170.93 to completely reinvent himself as a modern-day T20 player.
Shivam Dube, meanwhile, remains a consistent member of the batting lineup. He has averaged 41 this season whilst striking at 150. With Dhoni close to making a comeback, CSK’s middle-order could get the firepower towards the end, which they have lacked.
Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Jamie Overton, Spencer Johnson, Anshul Kamboj
As things stand, Anshul Kamboj is the holder of the Purple Cap, having taken 13 wickets from six matches at an average of just 16.23. He will now have additional responsibility with the new ball in the absence of Khaleel Ahmed.
Jamie Overton has been CSK’s unsung hero this season. He has taken eight wickets whilst contributing 103 runs at an average of 51.50.
CSK’s predicted playing XI vs MI in Match 33, IPL 2026:
Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(wk), Noor Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Spencer Johnson, Anshul Kamboj
Impact Player: Gurjapneet Singh
