CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: CSK lose skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson in good touch against KKR in Chennai – The Times of India

CSK vs KKR Live: OUT! Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad dismissed

Chennai Super Kings lose their first wicket as Anukul Roy strikes early to pull things back for the opposition.

After a steady start, Ruturaj Gaikwad falls trying to accelerate, mistiming a slog sweep straight to deep mid-wicket where Rovman Powell completes a safe catch. It’s another disappointing outing for the CSK skipper, halting early momentum.

Sanju Samson continues to rotate strike but is kept quiet by Roy’s tighter lines. New batter Ayush Mhatre settles in quickly and ends the over on a positive note, launching a straight boundary down the ground.

A tidy over overall for Roy, breaking the opening stand and slowing the scoring rate after a brisk start.

CSK 31/1 in 3 overs

CSK vs KKR Live: CSK 24/0 after 2 overs

Chennai Super Kings continue their positive start, though Cameron Green manages to keep things relatively tighter after the expensive first over.

Green begins a bit wayward with wides down the leg side, but settles into a better rhythm soon after. Sanju Samson keeps the scoreboard moving with singles, while Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a boundary, albeit via a thick edge past short third man.

The over sees a mix of control and luck for the batters, with Green testing them with fuller deliveries and occasional movement. While not as explosive as the first, CSK still maintain momentum through strike rotation and timely scoring.

A decent recovery from the bowler, but the batting side remains comfortably ahead in the early phase.

CSK 24/0 in 2 overs

CSK vs KKR Live: Sanju Samson kicks off CSK’s ininngs with a well-placed boundaries

Chennai Super Kings get off to a flying start, with Sanju Samson immediately putting pressure on Vaibhav Arora in the opening over.

Samson begins aggressively, smashing three consecutive boundaries, one through the off side, another with a crisp cut, and a streaky edge flying over slip, setting the tone early. Despite the early onslaught, Arora manages to pull things back slightly towards the end of the over with tighter lines.

Ruturaj Gaikwad gets off the mark with a single, while Samson rotates strike to keep the scoreboard ticking after the boundary burst.

It’s a high-scoring start for CSK, with early momentum firmly in their favour despite a brief recovery from the bowler.

CSK 14/0 in 1 over

What target will CSK set?

CSK vs KKR Live: Here is what the captains said at the toss

Ruturaj Gaikwad: “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. 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.”

Ajinkya Rahane: “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. 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 in place of Navdeep Saini.”

CSK vs KKR Live: Here are the impact subs for KKR vs CSK IPL 2026 match

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact subs – Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert, Navdeep Saini
Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry

KKR vs CSK Live: No MS Dhoni! KKR win toss, opt to bowl against CSK in Chennai

There is no MS Dhoni in CSK’s playing XI today as well. However, there is good news for KKR as Varun Chakaravarthy returns to the line-up as the bottom-placed teams lock horns in Chennai.

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed

How many wickets will KKR take in this innings?

KKR vs CSK Live: What is expected in terms of conditions? Toss coming up!

With clear skies and a batting-friendly black soil surface expected in Chennai, conditions may dominate the narrative. Chennai Super Kings have already shown they can adapt to pace-friendly pitches.

Kolkata Knight Riders, however, must overcome both form and bowling concerns. In a tight contest, adapting to conditions quickly could make all the difference

CSK vs KKR Live: Both teams a chance to reset their campaigns

This contest highlights an interesting contrast. Kolkata Knight Riders have seen promise from young Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, rely on experience but have also benefited from fresh contributions like Sanju Samson’s century. Balancing youth and experience could define the outcome.

Sometimes, one win can change everything. Chennai Super Kings have already taken that step. Kolkata Knight Riders are still waiting for theirs. Despite promising performances, results haven’t followed.

This match offers both teams a chance to reset their campaigns.

CSK vs KKR Live: KKR can take advantage of Chepauk’s changing nature

Being winless four games in is tough, but being the only winless team is tougher. That’s the situation Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in. They briefly shared that burden with Chennai Super Kings, but CSK’s win changed that narrative. Now, the pressure is entirely on KKR to respond. Another loss could deepen their crisis.

Chepauk is no longer the slow, spin-friendly fortress it once was. Chennai Super Kings discovered this firsthand. Their success with pace suggests a shift in conditions, one that could redefine home advantage. For Kolkata Knight Riders, adapting quickly will be crucial, especially with their bowling uncertainties.

Who will win the match?

CSK vs KKR Live: Spotlight is firmly on underperforming stars

The spotlight is firmly on underperforming stars. Kolkata Knight Riders need more from Finn Allen and Cameron Green, whose lack of runs has hurt. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been a bright spot, but one player can’t carry the batting.

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, saw Sanju Samson step up with a century. That could ease pressure on their top order. With both teams struggling, individual performances may decide the contest.

While batting has grabbed attention, bowling issues loom large, especially for Kolkata Knight Riders. Injuries and uncertainty around Varun Chakaravarthy have weakened their attack. Defending totals has been a major challenge.

Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, found success with pace at Chepauk, suggesting a shift in bowling strategy. On a batting-friendly pitch, the team that bowls smarter could have the edge.

KKR vs CSK Live: Will Dhoni playing tonight?

MS Dhoni is unlikely to feature in Chennai Super Kings’ upcoming clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, despite returning to light training sessions. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has missed all four matches this season due to a calf strain and is still working towards full fitness, even though the initial two-week recovery period has ended.

In the nets, Dhoni has only faced throwdowns, mainly from batting coach Michael Hussey, and has not resumed full-intensity batting or wicketkeeping duties. He has also not travelled with the team for away games or been present at match venues, indicating that his return is not imminent.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming emphasised that Dhoni continues to play a significant role within the squad off the field, maintaining strong influence despite his absence from matches.

Dhoni’s IPL legacy remains immense. In 278 matches, he has scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries. Last season, despite CSK finishing last, he contributed 196 runs in 13 innings.

KKR vs CSK Live: KKR aren’t finishing games

Few teams have teased promise without results like Kolkata Knight Riders this season. A 220 total against MI should have been enough, but it wasn’t.

Add a loss to SRH and a disrupted game against Punjab Kings, and the story becomes clearer. KKR aren’t finishing games.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have regained some footing with a win. Their shift to pace bowling could be key moving forward. KKR need a complete performance, not just moments, to break their winless streak.

CSK vs KKR Live: Kolkata Knight Riders are still searching for answers

For years, Chepauk meant spin dominance. But Chennai Super Kings may be rewriting that script. Their win over Delhi Capitals showed how effective pace at hard lengths can be on current surfaces.

Sanju Samson’s century added to the optimism, especially after a quiet start. A potential reshuffle involving Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre could further sharpen their approach. In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders are still searching for answers. They’ve had moments but no wins, making them the only winless side so far.

This game could reveal whether CSK’s new method is sustainable.

CSK vs KKR Live Score: CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will be in focus

Ahead of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk, the form of Men in Yellow skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will be in focus, as the opening batter has struggled to get going during this season so far.

After securing their first win of the season against the Delhi Capitals (DC), CSK will be aiming to continue with the newfound winning momentum, while KKR will be targeting their first win of the season after three losses and a no result.

So far in this tournament, Gaikwad has yet to touch the 30-run mark. In four innings, he has made 56 innings at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 103.70, with a best score of 28.

A very concerning aspect of Ruturaj’s form is the dot-ball percentage, which has been 38.4 per cent in T20S since the start of 2025. Since the start of 2025, Ruturaj has made just 184 runs in 10 innings at an average of 18.40, with two fifties and a best score of 63.

CSK vs KKR Live Score: Mitchell McClenaghan feels CSK should use veteran wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni as an Impact Sub

Former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan suggested the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should use veteran wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni as an Impact Sub, especially if the team is chasing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

“If MS Dhoni is fit, then CSK should bring him in as the Impact Player. If the team management feels they need a short burst of runs from him, especially when they are chasing, then bringing him in as the Impact Sub will allow them to make the best use of his batting abilities. Playing as an Impact Player will mean he may not have to do a lot of running. He can just come in, smack the ball into the stands and do his job of finishing in style. His aggressive stroke-making ability will come in handy for Chennai when they are chasing big scores,” Mitchell McClenaghan said.

CSK vs KKR Live Score: Sanju Samson’s hundred was a highlight in last match

A total of 13 IPL titles between them, yet all three giants, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, are struggling this season.

CSK have at least managed to halt their slide. Their win over Delhi Capitals showcased a shift in Chepauk conditions, where pace at hard lengths proved decisive. This could redefine their home strategy moving forward.

Sanju Samson’s hundred was a highlight, and a potential reshuffle involving Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre could further strengthen their top order.

KKR’s campaign has been frustrating. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance but remain winless. A high-scoring loss to MI, a defeat to SRH, and a disrupted game against Punjab Kings sum up their journey so far.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been a bright spot, but lack of runs from Finn Allen and Cameron Green has hurt. Bowling injuries and uncertainty around Varun Chakaravarthy add to their woes.

With a batting-friendly surface expected in Chennai, both teams will look to reset their seasons.

CSK vs KKR Live Score: Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians are all rooted at the bottom

Four games into IPL 2026, the unthinkable has happened. The three most decorated teams, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, are rooted at the bottom.

KKR’s struggles stand out as they remain winless. Their performances have shown promise but lacked finishing touches. A 220-run effort against MI went in vain, while rain and defeats elsewhere compounded their misery.

CSK, however, may have found momentum. Their win over Delhi Capitals not only ended a losing streak but hinted at a shift in strategy. Pace bowling, rather than spin, proved effective at Chepauk. With Sanju Samson rediscovering form through a century, CSK look better equipped.

KKR will rely on Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s form, but concerns linger over Finn Allen and Cameron Green. Injuries have weakened their bowling, and Varun Chakaravarthy’s availability remains uncertain.

The April 14 clash in Chennai promises a batting-friendly contest under clear skies. With head-to-head numbers tight in recent years, both teams see this as a turning point.

KKR vs CSK Live Score: Will MS Dhoni play? Here are both teams’ squads

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Ajinkya Rahane(c), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Navdeep Saini, Kartik Tyagi, Manish Pandey, Vaibhav Arora, Tejasvi Dahiya, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert, Blessing Muzarabani, Saurabh Dubey, Sarthak Ranjan, Rachin Ravindra, Prashant Solanki, Varun Chakaravarthy, Matheesha Pathirana, Umran Malik, Daksh Kamra

Chennai Super Kings Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry, Ramakrishna Ghosh, MS Dhoni, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Zakary Foulkes

KKR vs CSK Live Score: Hello and welcome to TimesofIndia.com for Match 22 between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders

The combined legacy of Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians reads 13 IPL titles, an extraordinary figure in just 18 seasons. Yet, IPL 2026 has flipped the script. All three sit at the bottom, searching for answers early in the campaign.

KKR’s situation is particularly concerning. They are the only winless team so far, a tag they briefly shared with CSK before the Chennai side broke their drought against Delhi Capitals. That win may have unlocked a new approach at Chepauk, where pace and bounce replaced traditional spin dominance.

Sanju Samson’s century came as a major boost, and a tweak in the batting order involving Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre could be on the cards. KKR, meanwhile, have flattered to deceive. Despite scoring 220 against MI, they couldn’t seal the deal. Inconsistency from Finn Allen and Cameron Green hasn’t helped.

With bowling concerns and doubts around Varun Chakaravarthy, KKR face a tough test. Clear skies and a batting-friendly pitch await in Chennai, making this clash crucial for both sides.