IPL Match Today, CSK vs GT: Predicted playing XI, head-to-head, pitch report, Chennai weather update

Heading into the second leg of this IPL, both Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans find themselves at a crossroads. And, there’s plenty riding on this crucial Sunday afternoon clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. A win will keep their top-four hopes firmly alive, while a defeat could make things very difficult.

Having blown hot and cold so far, alarm bells are beginning to ring for both sides. With three wins each from seven outings, they are stuck in the thick of the mid-table muddle, separated only by net run rate. Even before a ball is bowled, both captains will be eyeing the toss in the first afternoon fixture at Chepauk. With no dew factor, winning the toss could be key, as both teams are may opt to bat first in the scorching heat.

What adds another layer to this contest is a compelling face-off between CSK’s bowling unit against GT’s high-functioning top-order. CSK bowlers have defended totals of 207, 192 and 212 in their recent games and up against them is GT’s formidable top-three: Sai Sudharsan, captain Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who have shouldered the bulk of the scoring.

CSK’s spin duo of Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein has worked effectively in tandem, with the West Indian finger spinner being particularly impactful with the new ball. With a black-soil surface expected, similar to the previous home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, the battle between GT’s top-three and CSK’s disciplined attack could define the outcome. The fact that the GT middle-order hasn’t fired puts more pressure on Gill, Sudharsan and Buttler.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled for form but coach Stephen Fleming threw his weight behind his captain. “He’s a young captain who’s working himself into the role. I know he’s getting a lot of heat from outside, but within he’s got a lot of support and he’s very well respected within the side, and that will continue.”

Mystery over Dhoni continues

Former captain MS Dhoni, meanwhile, trained hard again, as he has been doing for sometime now. He is coming back from a calf strain and even though there is a lot of anticipation about his return on Sunday, coach Fleming didn’t give any assurance.

CSK vs GT: Head-to-Head

• Matches played: 8
• Chennai Super Kings won: 4
• Gujarat Titans won: 4

CSK vs GT Today IPL Match: Pitch Report

The pitch at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) for today's afternoon match (3:30 PM IST) is expected to be a dry, red-soil surface that favors the team batting first. While the ground has seen higher-scoring games in IPL 2026, the intense Chennai heat reaching up to 34°C, will likely cause the track to slow down and offer significant grip and turn for spinners as the game progresses.