Coming to game 2 of the double-header, which is being played between SRH and CSK at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, this is an important game for both teams. If SRH win, they solidify their spot in the top four, and if CSK secure a good win, they could move up to 5th or even 4th in the points table. It’s an interesting clash, as one of the most iconic and successful opening pairs in the IPL (Travishek) take on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson, who haven’t performed even a quarter as well as their opposition’s opening pair.
Anyways, let’s get to business and give you all the details you need before you watch this Southern Derby take place from the home of dum biryani.
Big Picture- MS Dhoni to return?
Big news for CSK fans, as the comeback of their Thala, MS Dhoni, may finally happen. This is the first away game he has travelled to with the team after missing the trips to Guwahati and Bengaluru. The fact that he has travelled with the squad brings a lot of hope for CSK fans, as they might finally get to see Captain Cool take the field after almost a year.
However, his inclusion isn’t confirmed yet. Reports from various sources suggest that he may play his first game against MI on the 23rd in Mumbai, or against GT at home on 26th April. Even if he features in today’s game, his role remains uncertain, as he could be used as an Impact Player until he is fully fit to return as a regular member of the XI.
But the bigger question is—where does Mahendra Singh Dhoni fit into this new-look CSK squad?
Khaleel Ahmed Ruled Out:
Another major concern for Chennai Super Kings is that Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the Tata IPL 2026. He injured his quadricep against KKR in the last game and was clearly seen struggling before being taken off the field. Just when CSK were starting to figure out their bowling combinations, this comes as a big setback.
While a replacement is being searched for, it currently seems likely that Mukesh Choudhary may come into the squad. However, the last time Mukesh Choudhary played an IPL match was against SRH in Hyderabad in 2024, where he was hit for 27 runs in his very first over, and hasn’t played since. So, if he does get a chance, this could be a moment of redemption for him.
Injury Concerns for SRH too!
It’s not just CSK who have been plagued by injuries to key players—Sunrisers Hyderabad are dealing with similar issues as well. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka from Sri Lanka has joined the squad as a replacement for Brydon Carse. Meanwhile, David Payne, who himself came in as a replacement for Jack Edwards, has also been ruled out of the IPL due to an ankle injury.
Expected Playing 11:
SRH:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Travis Head
- Ishan Kishan (C & WK)
- Heinrich Klassen
- Salil Arora
- Liam Livingstone
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harsh Dubey
- Eshan Malinga
- Shivang Kumar
- Praful Hinge
Impact Player- Shakid Hosain
CSK:
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis
- Shivam Dube
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Jamie Overton
- Mukesh Choudhary/Matt Henry
- Noor Ahmed
- Anshul Khamboj
- Gurjapneet Singh
Impact Player- MS Dhoni/Akeal Hosain
Head to Head:
| Matches- | 22 |
| SRH Won- | 15 |
| CSK Won- | 7 |
| No Result- | 0 |
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
The weather in Hyderabad is quite hot and humid, with temperatures expected to rise to around 32°C at 8 PM. Dew hasn’t had as much of an impact here compared to other venues. However, the pitch is a flat surface, and as seen in the last game, the ball has been coming nicely onto the bat.
In all fairness, you can expect a high-scoring belter, but SRH coach Daniel Vettori has suggested that the conditions could be slightly different from the last match due to the intense heat. No rain is expected to interrupt this Southern Derby.
Prediction:
We’re going neutral on this one. Both teams have been playing a much better level of cricket recently than they did at the start of the tournament. Both sides had their fair share of issues, which now seem to be addressed based on recent results. Batting hasn’t been SRH’s problem over the last two years, but their bowling has. The way Praful Hinge bowled in the last game, along with Shakid Hosain, both youngsters picked up terrific four-wicket hauls. If they bowl like that again, then CSK’s batting lineup could struggle. However, if they have an off day, this CSK lineup can punish them with plenty of boundaries.
But the main question is—can CSK’s bowling lineup handle Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma? If they execute their plans well, they can contain these destructive hitters. CSK will also be looking for runs from their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who hasn’t been in great form. He has scored only 63 runs at a strike rate of 105, which is a major concern, especially against a team like SRH where it’s all about scoring big. They need their captain to step up and play a captain’s knock.
Apart from Abhishek Sharma, they also have to deal with Ishan Kishan, who looks in sublime touch, especially after his last game against RR. In the end, what we’re trying to say is that CSK need a solid plan against SRH’s batting to pick up wickets at regular intervals, while SRH’s bowlers need to step up like they did in the previous game to challenge this new CSK batting unit. And if MS Dhoni plays today, CSK will address one of their biggest concerns—batting depth. With him in the side, CSK’s batting could look significantly stronger than it did last season.
There is a possibility of MS Dhoni playing today—maybe, maybe not. But why take chances? Catch the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings tonight on JioHotstar at 7:30 PM IST.
Until next time!
Thank you.
SlogVlog 