Last Updated on 26 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lock horns against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 7th game of IPL 2026. MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, will host this game on 3rd April 2026 at 7:30 PM IST.

CSK had a forgettable start to their campaign, bowled out for just 127 runs in their season opener against RR. The batters failed to get going on a tricky surface, and it has raised questions amongst the fans about how the team will perform this season. 

Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to take responsibility, and it’ll be interesting to see how long CSK will persist with these two as openers. Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, and Shivam Dube will be the other key batters for CSK. Urvil Patel may come in for Matthew Short for this game.

Bowling-wise, CSK faced a Vaibhav Sooryavanshi storm. However, they were able to create opportunities and must take them today. All in all, it’s high time now that CSK gets going considering their performance in the last two editions of the IPL.

On the other hand, PBLS got off to a great start against the Gujarat Titans. Cooper Connolly (72* runs) single-handedly saw his side over the line. The middle order threw away their wickets, which they’ll want to work on going ahead. 

Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, and Prabhsimran Singh looked in good touch for whatever time they spent on the crease. Punjab has superb depth in their squad with Xavier Bartlett coming to bat at number nine.

However, Arshdeep’s form is a concern, while Yuzvendra Chahal delivered straight away with two wickets. Vijaykumar Vyshak (3/34) also bowled superbly at the death, and he was well supported by Marco Jansen and Bartlett. Punjab will look to continue their winning momentum and register their second consecutive win.

IPL 2026 7th Match: CSK vs PBKS Probable Playing XIIs

Prashant Veer, if fit, should replace Matthew Short from the last XI. If not, then Urvil Patel may replace the Australian all-rounder.

Chennai Super Kings: 1. Sanju Samson (wk), 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), 3. Ayush Mhatre, 4. Matthew Short/Urvil Patel, 5. Sarfaraz Khan, 6. Kartik Sharma, 7. Shivam Dube, 8. Jamie Overton, 9. Khaleel Ahmed 10. Matt Henry, 11. Noor Ahmad 

Impact Sub: Anshul Kamboj/Prashant Veer

Punjab Kings: 1. Prabhismran Singh (wk), 2. Priyansh Arya, 3. Cooper Connolly, 4. Shreyas Iyer (c), 5. Nehal Wadhera, 6. Shashank Singh, 7. Marcus Stoinis, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Xavier Bartlett, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Vijaykumar Vyshak 

Impact Sub: Yuzvendra Chahal

Insights that could shape how the CSK vs PBKS match could transpire

Below are some interesting insights that could decide this contest, according to SPODA AI data.

• Youngster Ayush Mhatre missed out against RR, but he is considered a 62.50% chance of making a 30+ score in this match. Urvil Patel, who has a T20 strike rate of 179.47, is a 55.56% chance.
• Khaleel Ahmed has a 40.28% chance of taking 2+ wickets. Noor Ahmad (37.50%), Yuzvendra Chahal (35.91%) and Marco Jansen (34.74%) are not far behind.
• If Punjab Kings lose one wicket in the powerplay, score 50 runs in the death overs, and finish with a score of 200, they have a 71% chance of winning. CSK have the same probability.

For more such information, check out SPODA AI below.

MA Chidambaram Stadium Chepauk Chennai Pitch Report and Weather

The wicket at Chepauk is now far from what it was known to be. Now the batters enjoy their time with good bounce on offer so they can play their shots. There is little to no movement for the pacers with the new ball, and the spinners too haven’t found a lot of grip or turn like the old days.  

The pitch will be hard, and the batters are expected to dominate the game. Dew has always been a factor at Chennai, so expect teams to chase if they win the toss. The average first innings score here in IPL 2025 was 164 runs, with chasing sides winning four of the six games played here.

A hot and humid day is expected at Chennai with no chance of rain. The weather will be clear with the temperature being around 27-28 degrees Celsius. 

Fantasy Cricket Tips for CSK vs PBKS: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper Picks:  

• Sanju Samson was dismissed cheaply in the last game, and his record at Chepauk is abysmal – 59 runs in five games at an average of 11.80. But now the conditions at Chepauk are different, and Sanju’s recent form is strong. He will be a must pick.  
• Prabhsimran Singh looked in great touch for his 37 runs against GT. He took on the bowlers and played his shots. CSK bowling isn’t that threatening, so Prabhsimran will be a must-pick. 

Key batter picks: 

• Ruturaj Gaiwakd is another top fantasy pick. Gaikwad will have to be cautious against Arshdeep and Marco Jansen, but he’s arguably the best batter for his team, and you can back him for this game.
• Sarfaraz Khan plays shots all around the ground, and he’s a good player of spin bowling. He can take on the spinners and will be a key player for CSK in the middle overs, especially against Yuzvendra Chahal. He will be an ideal differential pick.
• Shreyas Iyer looked in good touch in the last game. He will bat positively and can take on the bowlers and score big on his day. Iyer has had his struggles against Khaleel Ahmed, but it is unlikely that he’ll get to face Khaleel early in his innings in this game. Try him as C/VC on your team. 
• Priyansh Arya scored a hundred against CSK in the last edition. He was dismissed cheaply in the first game, but he’s a fine player who’ll look to exploit the field restrictions. 

Top all-rounder picks: 

• Shivam Dube hit a six and got out on the next delivery. He’ll be a key batter for CSK considering the inexperience before him in the batting unit. Dube can change the course of the game when he gets going. He can also bowl an over or two if needed. 
• Marco Jansen will bowl the key overs and is more than capable with the bat. He bowled really well in the last game and played some crucial shots against GT. Jansen will fancy his chances against CSK’s batting unit. He’ll be a must pick. 

Key bowler picks: 

• Noor Ahmad will be CSK’s best bet during the middle overs. He may go for runs occasionally, but he picks up wickets consistently. He went wicketless in the first game, but he’ll be a top fantasy pick.
• Yuzvendra Chahal picked up a hattrick against CSK in the last edition. While CSK’s middle order is good against spin, Chahal will be top pick considering the fact that the batters will look to attack him. Try him as C/VC in one or two teams.
• Khaleel Ahmed bowled well in the last game. He can swing the new ball both ways and also picked up wickets upfront in the last edition. He picked up four wickets against PBKS in the two games in IPL 2025.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

• Jamie Overton
• Kartik Sharma
• Arshdeep Singh
• Shashank Singh
• Ayush Mhatre

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Punjab Kings have won seven of the last nine games played between the two teams. 
• Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Arshdeep Singh (T20s): 46 balls, 57 runs, three wickets.
• Shivam Dube vs Arshdeep Singh (T20s): 21 balls, 30 runs, three wickets.
• Sanju Samson vs Yuzvendra Chahal (T20s): 62 balls, 71 runs, five wickets.
• Shreyas Iyer vs Khaleel Ahmed (T20s): 25 balls, 33 runs, three wickets.
• Prabhsimran Singh vs Noor Ahmad (T20s): 11 balls, 19 runs, two wickets.

IPL 2026 7th Match: CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today

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Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

IPL 2026 7th Match: CSK vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who will win?

Punjab Kings are looking much more stable and balanced compared to CSK, who are yet to find their best combination and are struggling with injuries. Punjab Kings will be the favourites to win this game. CSK will have to pick up wickets with the new ball and the batters will have to be at their best if they are to win this game.

Punjab Kings should win this match.

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