Chennai Super Kings will be aiming to clinch their third consecutive win and take one step closer to securing a spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs as they take on Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday. While it remains uncertain if MS Dhoni will finally feature in a match in the ongoing season, the team will also deliberate on boosting their line-up by bringing back Shivam Dube, who was dropped in the previous game against DC. CSK have been heavily reliant on their top-order comprising of Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad, while their middle-order batters, barring Kartik Sharma and Jamie Overton, have been a let down so far in IPL 2026.
In the game against LSG on Sunday, CSK – who are on a two-match winning streak – are expected to pursue with the same playing XI as in the previous game. Unless, MS Dhoni decides to make his comeback in this game. The veteran has missed 10 games so far after sustaining a calf injury before the start of the league. While he has been seen practicing with the team, batting and keeping in the nets, he hasn’t made himself available for selection.
Predicted CSK playing XI vs LSG
Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hossain, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh
Impact player: Mukesh Choudhary
CSK have done well without Dhoni so far in IPL 2026, even though his strategic inputs from behind the stumps have been missed greatly. However, Dhoni’s extended absence will not come as a huge blow for CSK, who have learnt to survive without him.
While CSK have won all the games where Samson has stayed unbeaten, it is Kartik Sharma who has stepped in the last two games and has stayed unbeaten to ensure the team gets across the line in the run-chase. Therefore, he is certain to retain his spot in the playing XI. The onus will be on Dewald Brevis, who is yet get going in this season.
The biggest question for CSK will be if they have to bring back Shivam Dube – purely to boost their batting – in the game against LSG. The southpaw has managed to score just 150 runs from 8 innings so far in IPL 2026, at a strike rate of 140.18 and an average of 30. Unlike his usual self, he has struck just 6 sixes so far in the tournament. However, with the match set to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which has favoured batters more than the bowlers in IPL 2026, CSK will look to have an additional batter in the form of Dube in their playing XI and could replace him with a bowler as an impact substitute.
CSK will be expected to stick with the spin duo of Akeal and Noor while Gurjapneet, Mukesh, Kamboj and Overton serve as the pacers. Kamboj is the joint-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 17 scalps from 10 matches at an average of 18.71.
Cricket
ICC announces Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-up fixtures, India to play England and West Indies
