IPL 2026: CSK clutching at straws, GT eye Top 2 finish

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad during a practice session in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Pic/PTI; (right) GT skipper Shubman Gill in Ahmedabad on Wednesday

Chennai Super Kings are barely alive in the ongoing IPL, but according to Michael Hussey, their batting coach, the five-time champions are still hoping to have MS Dhoni back for the Playoffs, if they get through Thursday's clash against Gujarat Titans.

"I can confirm he [Dhoni] is not here with the team, but, if we do happen to qualify [for the Playoffs], he'll definitely join back up with the team. He's got a bit of a sore thumb. It's recovering nicely, but he won't be ready for this match," Hussey told reporters at a pre-match press conference here on Wednesday.

Even if CSK, who are on 12 points after 13 games, beat hosts GT on Thursday, they could still end up in a net run-rate battle with Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, or Kolkata Knight Riders. There are too many ifs and buts for CSK, who are chasing a sixth IPL title this season.

Reflecting on CSK's defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last home game, Hussey said: "It was disappointing, especially in front of our home fans. In our final home game, we wanted to finish with a win. Obviously, it has made it more difficult for us to get into the top four."

Home team GT, who have made it to the Playoffs after securing 16 points in 13 games, too, will be desperate for a big win to inch closer to a top-two finish, which ensures a second shot at the title battle if you lose Qualifier 1. Talking to the media, Sai Sudharsan stressed that the team's focus is to keep winning. "The important thing is to play good cricket and win tomorrow [Thursday]. We are not in a position to think about winning by a very big margin.

It's about doing the right things that we have been doing and first getting a victory. If we are in that position, yes, like every team, we would love to close it as smoothly as possible or give ourselves the best opportunity to be in the top two," said Sudharsan, GT's highest run-scorer (554).

120.68
Ruturaj Gaikwad's strike-rate in the ongoing IPL - his lowest ever

Four
No. of matches CSK have won against GT in their last six meetings