With the season-ending injury to Jamie Overton, CSK have been left with a big headache over their playing XI. Last match, they dropped in-form spinner Akeal Hosein, but that move backfired. It'll be interesting to see what combination CSK go with today.

If Akeal returns, CSK might have to leave out Spencer Johnson and bring in an extra Indian bowler.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have arguably the most destructive batting lineup in the tournament, but shockingly collapsed to 86 all out in their previous match against Gujarat Titans. SRH will hope the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen find their groove again for this all-important match.

For CSK to win today, Sanju Samson will likely have to play a big role. Samson's had a superb season, slamming 2 centuries, but has only 1 30+ score in his last 5 matches. CSK will hope Samson is back to his very best tonight.

IPL 2026 has witnessed one of the closest playoffs races in recent memory. As it stands, 3 playoffs spots are still up for grabs, with 7 teams fighting for them. Punjab Kings, who won 6 of their first 7 matches, and Kolkata Knight Riders, who lost 5 of their first 6, can both end up on the same points now!

According to a report by The Indian Express, Dhoni has suffered a fresh thumb injury just hours ahead of the IPL 2026 match between CSK and SRH. That could see him ruled out of the match today. However, he is reportedly going to be at the Chepauk Stadium to attend the game. 

MS Dhoni, at the age of 44, has not played a single match in the ongoing IPL season. The passionate Chennai crowd have kept waiting for their legendary skipper to play a game, but it is yet to happen. Today - ahead of CSK's last home game of IPL 2026 - a Dhoni quote from 5 years ago has resurfaced.

"I have always planned my cricket. The last game I played was in Ranchi. The last home game in ODI was at my hometown in Ranchi. So, hopefully, my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it's next year or in five years' time, we don't really know," Dhoni had said, 5 years ago.

With SRH on 14 points and CSK on 12 points, today's match plays a huge role in the playoff hopes of both teams. A victory seals SRH's spot in the Top 4, while CSK need to win to keep their realistic chances alive.

A loss for either side massively complicates their chances, particularly CSK.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). We are into the final week of the league stage, and the playoff race is heating up!

Stay tuned to NDTV Sports for all the live updates from the match.