Chennai Super Kings (CSK) host Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 44 of IPL 2026 on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (Chepauk), starting at 7:30 PM IST. The El Clasico of the IPL returns, and this time both teams are fighting for survival in the playoff race.
Vs
MA Chidambaram Stadium
2 May 2026 07:30 PM
For your Dream11 team, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the safest captain pick after finally finding his rhythm with a fifty vs GT, while Suryakumar Yadav works as vice-captain given his explosive potential on a surface that has been significantly more batting-friendly this season.
CSK vs MI Match Details
| Match Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | CSK vs MI, IPL 2026 Match 44 |
| Date | Saturday, May 2, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (Chepauk) |
| Broadcast | Star Sports, JioHotstar |
| CSK Captain | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| MI Captain | Hardik Pandya |
| Head-to-Head | MI leads 21-19 in 40 matches |
Our Dream11 Team Recommendation for CSK vs MI IPL 2026 Match 44
- Dream11 Team 1
- Dream11 Team 2
- Dream11 Team 3
CSK vs MI Match 44 Weather Reports
| Weather Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | 36°C |
| Match-Time Temp | 30-33°C |
| Humidity | 55-65% |
| Wind Speed | 12-16 km/h (sea breeze from Marina Beach) |
| Rain Probability | 10% (mostly clear) |
| Sky Condition | Partly Sunny |
| Dew Factor | Moderate (evening match; dew present in 2nd innings) |
| Match Interruption Risk | Very Low |
Pitch Report for MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (Chepauk)
| Pitch Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | More Batting-Friendly than traditional Chepauk (surface has evolved) |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | 180-195 runs (big totals posted in all 4 matches this season) |
| Boundary Length | Standard; outfield plays true under lights |
| 200+ Totals | Achievable; chasing side reached target in under 17 overs vs GT |
| Toss Decision | Bowl first (dew aids chasing; spinners lose grip in 2nd innings) |
| Pace Assist | Early swing available; bounce reduces as pitch wears |
| Spin Assist | Still present but less dominant than old Chepauk; Hosein and Ghazanfar key |
| Dew Effect | Moderate in 2nd innings; spinners lose grip as dew sets in |
Injury Updates
MS Dhoni (CSK): Still nursing a calf injury. His availability for this match is uncertain. Both teams are sweating on their former captains, as Rohit Sharma is also unlikely to play due to a hamstring issue.
Mitchell Santner (MI): Ruled out for the rest of IPL 2026 with an injury. MI have called up Keshav Maharaj as a replacement, who could debut given Chepauk’s spin-friendly conditions.
Ayush Mhatre (CSK): Injured and unavailable. CSK have tried Matthew Short and Urvil Patel as replacements, but neither has produced the same impact Mhatre had earlier in the tournament.
CSK Won Reverse Fixture by 103 Runs: At Wankhede, Akeal Hosein took 4/17 to demolish MI. That remains MI’s biggest defeat this season.
CSK vs MI Head-to-Head
| Category | MI | CSK | Highest Total | Lowest Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record | 21 wins | 19 wins | MI: 219 | CSK: 79 |
Suggested Reads:
Key Players to Watch in CSK vs MI, IPL 2026
| Player | Team | Role | Key Insights & Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akeal Hosein | CSK | Bowler | Took 4/17 to demolish MI in the reverse fixture at Wankhede. Best average for a specialist spinner in IPL 2026 (18.16). His arm ball that swerves into right-handers is deadly. |
| Allah Ghazanfar | MI | Bowler | 10 wickets in 6 innings at avg 19.60 in his first IPL season. MI’s lead spinner after Santner’s injury. His fizzing carrom ball in the powerplay has been incredibly difficult to pick. |
| Sanju Samson | CSK | WK-Batter | CSK’s most impactful batter. Century vs MI at Wankhede, plus consistent fifties throughout the season. His sweeps and reverse-sweeps make him lethal on Chepauk’s surface. |
| Hardik Pandya | MI | All-rounder | MI captain whose all-round contributions are vital. His pace bowling and death-overs batting give MI their best balance. Needs a captain’s knock to keep MI’s playoff hopes alive. |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | Batter | Finally found his rhythm with a fifty vs GT. The CSK captain’s form is crucial at his home fortress. Averages 45+ at Chepauk across his IPL career. Knows these conditions inside out. |
| Trent Boult | MI | Bowler | Strong head-to-head record vs both Samson and Gaikwad. His left-arm swing in the powerplay under Chepauk lights could be the most important battle of the match. |
