IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings’ strongest predicted XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Chennai Super Kings will be looking return the favour to the Sunrisers Hyderabad when they take the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai in Match 63 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday, May 18. 

Both teams played each other in match 27 of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, where SRH had emerged victorious. 

CSK are in with a real chance to turn their season around and qualify for the playoffs. As things stand, they are fifth in the standings with 12 points to their name from 12 matches. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side would want to clinch a victory against SRH to solidify their playoffs chances. 

Here is CSK’s strongest predicted XI vs SRH, Match 63, IPL 2026:

Top Order: Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Urvil Patel

The experienced duo of Sanju Samson and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to open for the five-time IPL champions. They have done fairly well as a pair, and CSK would want a little bit more from them.

Sanju, who has scored two centuries in IPL 2026 so far, is by far CSK’s best batter. Gaikwad, after a slow start, has gained confidence back. Urvil Patel, on the other hand, is CSK’s power-hitter, scoring runs at a brisk rate. 

Middle Order: Shivam Dube(Imp), Kartik Sharma/MS Dhoni (wk), Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer

CSK’s middle order is a slight worry for them. Dewald Brevis has not lived up to the expectations so far, and has to step-up in this crucial phase of the tournament. Shivam Dube, too, has been a disappointment for them. He has looked far from his best this season with the bat.

The biggest question remains, whether MS Dhoni will play CSK’s last home game of the season or not? He will replace Kartik Sharma if he is declared fit to play. Prashant Veer gives an all-round option to the side. 

Bowlers: Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh

Anshul Kamboj had a horror outing against LSG, conceding 63 runs in just 2.4 overs. But he also has been CSK’s best bowler in the competition, picking up 19 wickets so far.

Noor Ahamd leads the spin department whereas Mukhesh Choudhary and Gurjapneet Singh give CSK handy options. Spencer Johnson can be a lethal option with the new ball. 

CSK’s predicted playing XI vs SRH in Match 63, IPL 2026:

Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma/MS Dhoni (wk), Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh

Impact Player: Shivam Dube