NewKerala.com

CSK Bowl First in IPL 2026 Southern Derby, Eye Redemption vs RCB

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial IPL 2026 encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad cited the pitch's high-scoring nature and provided an update on MS Dhoni's recovery, stating the veteran is progressing slowly. RCB enters the match with confidence from a season-opening win and a dominant recent record against their rivals. Both teams have named their playing elevens, with CSK fielding an unchanged side from their previous match.

Key Points: IPL 2026: CSK vs RCB Toss Update, Playing 11, Dhoni Update

  • CSK wins toss and bowls first
  • Ruturaj Gaikwad provides update on MS Dhoni's recovery
  • Defending champions RCB enter with 3-0 recent record vs CSK
  • Both teams announce their playing 11s for the high-stakes clash
2 min read

IPL 2026: CSK win toss, choose to bowl first against RCB

CSK wins toss, bowls first against RCB. Get the latest playing 11s, Ruturaj Gaikwad's comments on MS Dhoni's recovery, and match preview.

"MS is getting back slowly... if he's ready to play, it'll be soon. - Ruturaj Gaikwad"

Bengaluru, April 5

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 'Southern Derby' of the Indian Premier League season 2026, on Sunday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

After winning the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said that the wicket looks like a high-scoring one. He also noted that MS Dhoni is recovering and may play soon, and expressed confidence in the team. He confirmed the same playing 11 as in the last match.

"We will bowl first. Obviously, high scoring ground. Looks like a good pitch, there's going to be some runs. We'll look to restrict them as much as possible. MS is getting back slowly, sometimes it taks time, if he's ready to play, it'll be soon. The first game was disappointing, but our batting was much better in the second game. Everyone is feeling confident. Same team for us," Gaikwad said at the toss.

Defending champions RCB are coming into the match confident, as they registered a comprehensive six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their season opener. RCB also hold a 3-0 advantage over the Men in Yellow as both teams' last three IPL encounters have ended with RCB coming out on top.

CSK, meanwhile, are reeling from back-to-back losses. They suffered their first setback of the season at the hands of the Rajasthan Royals, and then faced another defeat against the Punjab Kings at Chepauk. The team will aim to get back on track with a win against the Rajat Patidar-led side.

RCB vs CSK playing 11s:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy.

RCB Impact subs: Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam Dar, Kanishk Chouhan, Venkatesh Iyer.

Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed.

CSK Impact subs: Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Just want to see Thala Dhoni back on the field soon! The team feels incomplete without him, even if he's just behind the stumps. His presence itself boosts the confidence of young players like Gaikwad. Wishing him a speedy recovery. 🙏
V
Virat K
RCB all the way! 3-0 in the last three matches against CSK says it all. King Kohli is in great form, and with Patidar leading, the team looks balanced. Let's make it 4-0! #PlayBold
A
Ananya R
I respect Ruturaj's captaincy, but I'm not sure about sticking with the same playing 11 after two losses. The middle order looks shaky. Maybe they should have given Matthew Short a chance instead of persisting with the same combination.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is the match to watch! The Southern Derby never disappoints. Hoping for a high-scoring thriller. Good to see young Indian talents like Ayush Mhatre and Abhinandan Singh getting opportunities.
K
Karthik V
CSK's biggest problem is their death bowling. In the last match, they conceded too many in the final overs. Noor Ahmad and Overton need to be spot on tonight against power-hitters like Tim David. Tough challenge ahead!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50