MS Dhoni was kept on the sidelines with the Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill winning the toss and opting to bowl against the Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026. The fact that Dhoni is no longer there remains a conversation piece, and fans are looking forward to his eventual comeback.
Both teams went to the competition in search of consistency after a topsy-turvy beginning to the season. Though both CSK and GT have played seven matches each, they have won three and lost four matches and therefore this match is vital to their playoff hopes. However, Chennai Super Kings entered the game with a fresh hope following a victory over the Mumbai Indians and will have momentum to gain at home.
In the case of GT, a lot of attention is given to the leadership of Gill and the performance of their batting unit. The team has not been consistent in spite of the team being very strong in terms of the top order which includes Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler. Criticism has also been directed at Gill in regards to his conservative nature at the helm of affairs with the middle order failing to perform as required.
GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya justified the move by the team and said that a strong top order usually curbs the middle order but is otherwise a strength.
CSK, however, will be cheered by the recent good showing of Sanju Samson, and Afghan spinner, Noor Ahmad, has also discovered his rhythm, taking five wickets in the past three games. Neither of the two teams can afford to lose, as both are in need of consistency in deciding their campaigns.