IPL 2026: No MS Dhoni or Rohit Sharma! CSK, MI name changes in playing XIs
PL 2026’s CSK vs MI clash began with a major surprise as neither MS Dhoni nor Rohit Sharma featured in the playing XIs. Mumbai Indians opted to bat first after winning the toss, while both teams made multiple changes. Several stars, including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Suryakumar Yadav, have struggled this season.
CSK have relied heavily on Sanju Samson, while MI’s bowling woes continue with the tournament’s worst economy rate.
NEW DELHI: The spotlight may still be on the iconic rivalry between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, but IPL 2026 served up a surprise even before the first ball was bowled. There was no MS Dhoni and no Rohit Sharma in the playing XIs. Instead, a new-look CSK and MI walked out with fresh combinations and several under-pressure stars looking to rediscover form.
Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bat first, with Hardik Pandya saying the team wanted to “give another opportunity to the batters to score runs” after an inconsistent campaign. MI also handed a debut to young leg-spinner Raghu Sharma, while Krish Bhagat returned to the XI. Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted he would have preferred to bat first but backed his side to adapt on what he described as a dry surface.
CSK made two changes, bringing in Ramakrishna Ghosh and Prashant Veer in place of Gurjapneet Singh and Akeal Hosein. Despite the big names on both sides, several players have struggled this season. Jasprit Bumrah has managed only two wickets in eight matches, while both Gaikwad and Suryakumar Yadav have crossed fifty just once and scored under 200 runs so far.