IPL 2026: Why CSK and KKR players are wearing black armbands - Explained

NEW DELHI: Players of Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings were seen wearing black armbands during their IPL 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to field against the five-time champions.

Rahane made one change to the XI, bringing in Varun Chakaravarthy in place of Navdeep Saini.

"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," Rahane said at the toss.

"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 place of Navdeep Saini," he added.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad named an unchanged playing XI.

"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," Gaikwad said.

"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," he added.

Why did KKR wear black armbands vs CSK?

KKR players wore black armbands to mourn the passing of former India cricketer C. D. Gopinath, a member of India’s first-ever Test-winning team and an early contributor to the country’s journey in international cricket.

Gopinath represented India in eight Tests between 1951 and 1960 and made an immediate impact on debut with scores of 50 not out and 42 against England.

At a time when Indian cricket was still establishing itself globally, he was part of the team that secured the country’s maiden Test victory against England in 1952 in Madras (now Chennai) — a landmark moment in India’s cricket history.

At the domestic level, Gopinath was a key figure in Madras cricket, leading the side and contributing significantly to its growth. He enjoyed a distinguished first-class career, scoring 4,259 runs in 60 matches, and played a pivotal role in Madras’ first Ranji Trophy triumph in 1954-55, scoring a century in the final.

After retirement, he served as a national selector — including as chairman — and later as manager of the Indian team during the 1979 tour of England. He remained closely associated with the game for decades and was widely respected for his deep understanding of cricket and his understated presence.