IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings’ strongest predicted XI against Gujarat Titans

The Chennai Super Kings return home after two games on the road as they take on the Gujarat Titans in Match 37 of the Indian Premier League at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The Super Kings come off a thumping 103-run victory against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, and will be looking to carry that momentum forward into the second half of their season. They have won three games out of seven so far, and will be looking to maintain the momentum. They have found balance with their batting and bowling units, despite injuries to key players like Ayush Mhatre and Khaleel Ahmed.

Here is CSK’s strongest predicted XI for Match 37 vs GT: 

Top order: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Sarfaraz Khan 

Sanju Samson scored his second century for the Super Kings against the Mumbai Indians. He has been a consistent presence at the top and has led the way on multiple occasions. His unbeaten 101 in Mumbai was an innings of trademark class, as he was the backbone of the five-time champions’ ascent to 207. In contrast, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has had a lean run with the bat, scoring just 104 runs at a strike rate of 119.54.

Sarfaraz Khan slotted in at No. 3 in place of the injured Ayush Mhatre, but was unable to get going, scoring just 14 runs. Sarfaraz had a brilliant season for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, batting at No. 3, and is expected to continue in this role. He has had a brilliant season, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 171.28, showing glimpses of the innovation and smart batting he broke out with in the IPL.

Middle order: Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton 

The return of Dewald Brevis was a major boost for the Super Kings in the middle order. The South African, though, is yet to get going after missing the first four games due to a side strain. His highest score of 41 came off 29 balls against the Knight Riders. His firing would add much-needed impetus to their middle order. Shivam Dube has shown glimpses of destructive batting, being used mostly as a finisher.

Kartik Sharma has slotted in as the finisher and is a potent six-hitter as well. Jamie Overton has stepped up with both bat and ball for the Super Kings. He has added much-needed runs in the back end and has picked up nine wickets, hitting the pitch hard and bowling at high pace.

Lower order/bowlers: Akeal Hosein (Impact), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary

Akeal Hosein ran riot at the Wankhede Stadium, picking up four wickets as MI were bundled out for 104. Two of those wickets came in the powerplay, making him a vital threat in all phases. Anshul Kamboj has by far been the Super Kings’ best bowler and is currently holding the Purple Cap with 14 wickets.

Mukesh Choudhary has filled in for Khaleel Ahmed, picking up three wickets in the two matches he has played. Gurjapneet Singh has also been reliable with his high release in the middle overs. Noor Ahmad has been one of the Super Kings’ most improved players, picking up six wickets in his last four matches after going wicketless in the first three games. He is bowling with the control and guile that made him stand out in 2025.

CSK predicted XI vs GT: 

Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary

Impact Player: Akeal Hosein