Chennai Super Kings are predicted to beat Mumbai Indians in Match 44 of IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, May 2, 2026 (7:30 PM IST).
CSK won the reverse fixture by a staggering 103 runs at Wankhede the biggest win in the history of this rivalry. MI, meanwhile, posted 243 against SRH in their last match but still lost by 6 wickets, continuing a pattern of explosive batting undone by catastrophic bowling.
Both MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are unavailable through injuries the first time in IPL history that this iconic rivalry plays out without either legend on the field.
CSK vs MI Match 44: Complete Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Match 44 |
| Tournament | IPL 2026 (TATA Indian Premier League) |
| Date | Saturday, May 2, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar App & Website |
CSK vs MI Head-to-Head Record in IPL
This is IPL’s greatest rivalry – 42 matches, separated by just 2 wins. MI lead 22-20.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 42 |
| MI Wins | 22 |
| CSK Wins | 20 |
| First Meeting | April 23, 2008 (CSK won) |
| Most Recent | April 23, 2026 (CSK won by 103 runs) |
| CSK at Chepauk vs MI | Won 4 of last 5 at this venue |
| This Season | CSK won by 103 runs at Wankhede |
Chepauk Pitch Report for CSK vs MI
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Avg Score (IPL 2026) | 190–200 (across 5 matches at Chepauk) |
| Surface | Bouncier than traditional Chepauk; good for batting |
| New Ball | Swing available for first 4–5 overs |
| Spin Factor | Grip available for spinners in middle overs |
| Dew Factor | Expected from 2nd innings |
| Toss Trend | Last 10 toss winners at Chepauk chose to bowl first |
Chennai Weather Forecast for CSK vs MI Match
| Parameter | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature (Match Time) | 30–36°C |
| Humidity | 50–65% |
| Rain Chance | ~10% (negligible) |
| Wind Speed | Coastal breeze |
| Dew Factor | Expected from 2nd innings |
| Conditions | Mostly sunny, warm and humid evening |
CSK vs MI Toss Prediction
The last 10 toss winners at Chepauk chose to bowl first – a unanimous trend.
Toss Prediction: The toss winner will opt to field first.
Key Players to Watch in CSK vs MI Match
Here are the Key Players to Watch for both Teams:
For Chennai Super Kings
1. Sanju Samson (WK-Opener)
345 runs, avg 49.29, SR 164.28, 2 centuries – CSK’s most important batter.
He scored 101* off 54 against MI in the reverse fixture – the match-winning knock in that 103-run demolition.
2. Anshul Kamboj (Fast Bowler – Purple Cap Leader)
18 wickets in 10 matches at economy 8.17 – the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026.
Against MI’s explosive but inconsistent batting, Kamboj’s discipline in the powerplay will be crucial.
3. Noor Ahmad (Left-arm Wrist Spinner)
11 wickets in 10 matches – described by ESPNcricinfo as the best bowler on this pitch regardless of team.
4. Jamie Overton (Pace All-rounder)
Overton adds batting depth and genuine pace. His ability to hit the deck hard suits Chepauk’s bouncier surface this season.
For Mumbai Indians
1. Ryan Rickelton (WK-Opener)
260 runs, avg 52, SR 181.81, 2 centuries – MI’s most valuable batter in IPL 2026.
His 123* off 55 against SRH was one of the innings of the tournament. If Rickelton fires at Chepauk, MI can post any total.
2. Will Jacks (Opener/All-rounder)
Jacks smashed 78 in the powerplay against SRH, forming a 93-run opening stand with Rickelton in just 7 overs.
His pace bowling also adds a handy extra option.
3. Trent Boult (Fast Bowler)
Boult has dismissed Samson 3 times in 8 innings (32 off 27 balls) and Gaikwad 3 times in 6 innings (34 off 31) – a genuine threat to CSK’s top order.
4. AM Ghazanfar (Leg Spinner)
10 wickets in 6 matches – MI’s most impactful bowler this season and a serious threat on Chepauk’s gripping surface.
CSK vs MI Probable Playing XIs
Here are the Probable Playing XI for both Teams:
Chennai Super Kings Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanju Samson (WK) | Opener |
| 2 | Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) | Opener |
| 3 | Urvil Patel / Sarfaraz Khan | Top Order |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis | Middle Order |
| 5 | Shivam Dube | Middle Order |
| 6 | Kartik Sharma | All-rounder |
| 7 | Jamie Overton | Pace All-rounder |
| 8 | Akeal Hosein | Left-arm Spinner |
| 9 | Noor Ahmad | Wrist Spinner |
| 10 | Anshul Kamboj | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Gurjapneet Singh | Left-arm Pacer |
| Mukesh Choudhary (Impact Player) | Left-arm Pacer |
Mumbai Indians Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Rickelton (WK) | Opener |
| 2 | Will Jacks | Opener |
| 3 | Suryakumar Yadav | Middle Order |
| 4 | Naman Dhir | Middle Order |
| 5 | Tilak Varma | Middle Order |
| 6 | Hardik Pandya (C) | All-rounder |
| 7 | Robin Minz | All-rounder |
| 8 | Trent Boult | Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Jasprit Bumrah | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | AM Ghazanfar | Leg Spinner |
| 11 | Ashwani Kumar | Fast Bowler |
| Shardul Thakur (Impact Player) | Pace All-rounder |
Why CSK Will Win This Match
Won Reverse Fixture by 103 Runs
Samson’s century and Hosein’s 4 wickets destroyed MI at Wankhede. CSK proved they can annihilate this MI side.
Purple Cap Leader at Home
Kamboj’s 18 wickets on a Chepauk surface that assists seam movement in the powerplay is a devastating combination.
4 of Last 5 in This Rivalry
CSK have won 4 of the last 5 CSK vs MI meetings. They own this rivalry at the moment.
MI’s Bowling Is the Worst in IPL 2026
Economy of 10.83 – the worst among all 10 teams. They couldn’t defend 243 against SRH. Against CSK’s batting, that’s a recipe for disaster.
MI Lose at Chepauk
Lost 4 of last 5 at this venue. CSK know Chepauk inside out; MI historically struggle here.
Why MI Could Pull Off an Upset
Rickelton-Jacks Powerplay Firepower
93 runs in 7 overs together against SRH. If this pair fires at Chepauk, MI can set an imposing total that even CSK would struggle to chase.
Boult’s Record Against CSK’s Openers
Dismissed Samson 3 times and Gaikwad 3 times – if Boult strikes in the powerplay, CSK’s batting loses its foundation.
Ghazanfar on a Spinning Surface
10 wickets in 6 matches – Chepauk’s grip could suit Ghazanfar perfectly against CSK’s middle order.
Nothing to Lose
MI’s playoff hopes are dead. That freedom can produce fearless cricket – as Rickelton’s 123* showed.
CSK vs MI Betting Odds and Win Probability
| Team | Win Probability | Key Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 50–55% | Home advantage, Kamboj (18 wkts), Samson (2 centuries), won 4 of last 5 |
| Mumbai Indians | 45–50% | Rickelton (2 centuries, SR 181), Jacks-Rickelton powerplay, Boult vs CSK openers |
CSK vs MI Match 44 Prediction: Who Will Win Today?
Predicted Winner: Chennai Super Kings
| Factor | CSK Edge | MI Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Head-to-Head | 20 wins (MI leads 22-20) | 22 wins overall |
| Recent Form | Won 4 of last 5 in this rivalry, incl. 103-run win | Lost last (SRH chased 244), 2-6 this season |
| Top Batter | Samson – 345 runs, 2 centuries (101* vs MI) | Rickelton – 260 runs, 2 centuries (123* vs SRH) |
| Bowling | Kamboj (Purple Cap, 18 wkts), Noor Ahmad (11 wkts) | Economy 10.83 (worst in IPL 2026), Bumrah struggling |
| Home Advantage | Won 4 of last 5 at Chepauk vs MI | Lost 4 of last 5 at Chepauk |
| Legends Missing | Dhoni unavailable (calf) | Rohit unavailable (hamstring) |
| Spin Threat | Noor Ahmad + Hosein + Kamboj on home surface | Ghazanfar (10 wkts on gripping surface) |
| Key Concern | Gaikwad – 25+ runs only twice in 8 innings | Couldn’t defend 243 vs SRH |
CSK’s home advantage, the Purple Cap leader, Samson’s century form against MI, and their dominance in recent head-to-head meetings make them favourites.
MI’s explosive batting (Rickelton + Jacks) keeps them competitive, but their bowling – the worst in IPL 2026 – is a fatal flaw that no amount of runs can fix.
The decisive battle: Boult vs Samson in the powerplay. If Boult removes Samson early (he’s done it 3 times), CSK’s batting crumbles. If Samson survives, another century could be on the cards.
Predicted Margin: CSK to win by 15–20 runs (if batting first) or 5–6 wickets (if chasing).
Suggested Reads:
Final Verdict
This CSK vs MI clash at Chepauk brings IPL’s greatest rivalry to life once more – though for the first time without Dhoni or Rohit on the field.
CSK’s home advantage, Kamboj’s Purple Cap-leading 18 wickets, and Samson’s devastating century form against MI make them favourites.
MI’s batting firepower (Rickelton + Jacks) can compete with anyone, but their bowling – the worst in the tournament – means they can’t defend any total reliably.
Expect Chennai Super Kings to continue their dominance in this rivalry and keep their fading IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a win at their Chepauk fortress.
