These two XIs are not playing the same game. GT has named their strongest available side to chase a top-two seeding, a position worth a double chance in the knockouts. CSK have named their strongest available side because losing here ends their season. One team is playing for an advantage. The other is playing for survival. The selections reflect that gap, and so do the numbers behind them. 

GT vs CSK IPL 2026 Playing XI 

GT Playing XI

CSK Playing XI

Spencer Johnson replaces Jamie Overton (right thigh injury). MS Dhoni absent due to a calf and thumb injury, and did not travel to Ahmedabad. 

GT’s Selection Sends a Clear Message 

One change from their previous game, Arshad Khan in for Rahul Tewatia, is not a rotation. GT qualified officially when SRH beat CSK on May 18, but their NRR of +0.400 means coasting is not an option if they want top-two seeding and the double knockout chance that comes with it. They’ve kept their strongest bowling attack intact and left Tewatia, their proven death-overs finisher, on the bench as an impact option alongside Glenn Phillips and Nishant Sindhu. That’s a team taking this match seriously. 

CSK’s XI and Its Pressure Points 

Overton’s right thigh injury sends him home to England, and Spencer Johnson steps in at No. 7. The bigger absence is Dhoni; he hasn’t played a single match all season due to a recurring calf injury compounded by a thumb complaint, and he didn’t travel to Ahmedabad. Fleming confirmed the injury remains unresolved and that Dhoni will set his own return timeline, with even a potential playoff appearance uncertain. 

Samson carries CSK’s batting hopes. Two centuries this season make him their standout performer and the only batter in this XI who can take a game away from GT on his own. Gaikwad’s 272 runs at a strike rate of 128.3 across 10 matches leave the No. 2 slot as CSK’s most underperforming batting position at the worst possible moment. Sarfaraz Khan, 161 runs at No. 4-5 by mid-season, is their most likely batting impact sub if they need acceleration. 

Which Side Has the Better Balance

The GT vs CSK IPL 2026 playing XI comparison doesn’t require much deliberation. Sudharsan’s 456 runs at an average of 50.67 and a strike rate of 157.78, alongside Gill’s 443 runs at 162.86, give GT the two most productive openers in the competition. Rabada leads the tournament with 16 powerplay wickets. Siraj has 9 more in the same phase. Rashid Khan has taken 16 middle-overs wickets across the season. 

CSK’s spin pair of Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein carry the second-best combined economy in the competition at 8.5, that’s real. But a depleted pace attack post-Overton, an inconsistent captain at the top of the order, and no Dhoni anywhere in sight leave them entirely dependent on Samson to win a match they can’t afford to lose.        

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FAQs 

What is GT’s playing XI for Match 66 vs CSK in IPL 2026?

GT’s confirmed XI is: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar. Arshad Khan replaces Rahul Tewatia from their previous game, with Phillips, Tewatia, Sindhu, Rawat, and Khejroliya as impact options. 

What is CSK’s playing XI for Match 66 vs GT in IPL 2026?

CSK’s confirmed XI is: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Spencer Johnson, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh. Spencer Johnson replaces Jamie Overton, who departed for England with a right thigh injury, with Sarfaraz Khan and Mukesh Choudhary among the impact sub options.

Will GT rest players ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs?

No , GT have named their strongest available XI despite already qualifying, with a top-two finish and the double knockout chance it provides being their priority. Only one change was made from their previous game, with Arshad Khan coming in for Tewatia, signalling full intent to win.

Who are the impact player options for CSK and GT in Match 66?

GT’s impact options are Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Anuj Rawat, and Kulwant Khejroliya, with GT typically using the rule to add a top-order batter after the powerplay. CSK’s options are Sarfaraz Khan, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Veer, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Matt Short, with Sarfaraz, 161 runs at No. 4-5 by mid-season, their most likely batting impact choice.

Where can I watch live sports for free online for IPL?

The match is available for live streaming on Sports Live Hub (SLH).