The second fixture of the day in IPL 2026 will feature an exciting contest between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM, with the toss taking place half an hour earlier. Both teams head into this game with confidence after recent wins, making this encounter crucial for their standings in the points table.

Current Form and Standings

Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, have had a mixed campaign so far. The team has secured two wins in five matches and currently sits in the lower half of the table. However, they have gained momentum with back-to-back victories and will be aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins in this match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, also have two wins from five matches but are placed higher due to a better net run rate. Their recent victory over Rajasthan Royals boosted their confidence, especially since it handed Rajasthan their first defeat of the season.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Chennai Super Kings have dominated this rivalry. Out of 23 matches played between the two sides, Chennai have won 16 while Hyderabad have managed seven victories. However, at the Hyderabad venue, the contest has been more balanced, with Sunrisers holding a slight edge.

MS Dhoni’s Availability

MS Dhoni is unlikely to feature in this match as he continues his recovery. Although he has traveled with the squad, reports suggest that he is close to full fitness and could return in the upcoming fixture against Mumbai.

Key Performers to Watch

Heinrich Klaasen has been the standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season. He has scored more than 200 runs in five matches, including two half-centuries, and has maintained an impressive strike rate. His role in stabilizing the middle order has been crucial.

On the bowling front, Harsh Dubey has delivered consistent performances, while debutants in the previous match also made a strong impact by picking multiple wickets.

For Chennai Super Kings, Sanju Samson has been in excellent batting form. He has scored 185 runs in five matches, including a remarkable unbeaten century against Delhi. In bowling, Anshul Kamboj has been a key figure, claiming 10 wickets in five matches and leading the attack effectively.

Pitch and Match Conditions

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface. High-scoring games are common here, although bowlers can find assistance under the right conditions. Teams chasing have had more success historically at this venue, making the toss an important factor.

Weather conditions are expected to remain clear, with no chances of rain. The temperature is likely to stay between 25 and 39 degrees Celsius, ensuring uninterrupted play.

Probable Playing-12 for Both Teams

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Ishan Malinga, and Prafull Hinge. Impact Player: Liam Livingstone.

Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh. Impact Player: Akeal Hosein.

Match Outlook

With both teams coming into this clash on the back of wins, the contest promises to be competitive. Chennai will look to continue their winning streak, while Hyderabad will aim to capitalize on home advantage and maintain their position in the top half of the table.

CSK Files BCCI Complaint Over RCB DJ's 'Dosa Idli' Song at Chinnaswamy Chennai Super Kings raise concerns over cultural insensitivity and DJ's remarks targeting players during IPL 2026 clash in Bengaluru

CSK Take Formal Action

Chennai Super Kings have formally lodged a complaint with the Board of Control for Cricket in India over an incident that unfolded during their IPL 2026 fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 5. The Yellow Army has alleged that the stadium DJ's conduct during the match was not only inappropriate but crossed the line of professional conduct expected at a top-tier cricketing event.

The CSK franchise raised concerns after the DJ played the track "Dosa, idli, sambar, chutney, chutney" — a song created by musician Gana Appu that is widely used in social media memes linked to South Indian stereotypes — at a moment when CSK were already struggling in their chase. The franchise viewed the timing and context as a deliberate act of mockery rather than routine crowd entertainment.

What Triggered the Complaint

CSK were chasing a mammoth 251 to win when the song was played, and the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side felt the context of the track's usage was wholly inappropriate. Beyond the song itself, the franchise alleged that the DJ made direct comments targeting their players following dismissals — conduct they believe falls well outside the scope of a match-day entertainer's role.

The franchise took the issue seriously, stating that the DJ's actions crossed acceptable limits in a professional match environment.

Viswanathan Speaks Out

CSK Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the complaint and did not mince words. "The DJs are usually there to support the home team. But at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, it was different. Certain comments were made against our players. Considering that, we have written to the BCCI to look into it," he said.

Viswanathan also made clear what the acceptable standard should be. "The DJ isn't supposed to make comments on opposition players," he added, stressing that the DJ's role is to build atmosphere, not to undermine visitors.

History Behind the Song

This is not the first time the track has caused friction between the two franchises. The song had earlier gone viral when Jitesh Sharma was seen singing it, which led to trolling directed at CSK fans. At that time, the Chennai franchise had stepped in to ensure such remarks were not directed at opposition players. The recurrence of the same song in the same stadium has made this episode considerably more sensitive for the CSK camp.

The Match That Set It Off

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dominant 43-run victory over CSK in Match 11 of IPL 2026. RCB posted 250/3 after being put in to bat, with Tim David blazing 70 off just 25 balls and Devdutt Padikkal contributing 50. In reply, CSK were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar picking up three wickets to seal the win for RCB.

Southern Derby Tensions Rise

The RCB vs CSK rivalry, long regarded as the Southern Derby of the IPL, has grown more charged in recent seasons. According to reports, RCB have won four consecutive matches against CSK since 2024, adding an edge to encounters between the two sides. Videos of fan clashes outside the venue on April 5 also circulated online, with police reportedly intervening to restore order — a sign of how emotionally intense this fixture has become.

BCCI Steps In

An IPL official confirmed that the governing council has received the CSK complaint and that the matter is currently under review. The cricket board is expected to assess whether the DJ's conduct violated existing match-day conduct protocols and determine appropriate action.

The incident has reignited broader conversations about cultural sensitivity, professional boundaries, and sportsmanship in the IPL — a league that draws audiences across India's diverse regions. As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on the BCCI's next steps and whether tighter guidelines for stadium entertainers will follow.

Mumbai Indians endured another disappointing outing as they suffered their third consecutive defeat in the ongoing IPL season. Playing at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai fell short by 18 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-scoring encounter.

Chasing a daunting target of 241 runs, Mumbai managed to reach 222 for the loss of several key wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a late surge, the team failed to cross the finish line.

Strong opening but middle-order setback

Mumbai began their chase on a promising note with an aggressive opening stand. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton stitched together an unbeaten 57-run partnership in just 32 deliveries, setting a solid foundation for the chase.

However, the momentum shifted after Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt. The middle order could not capitalize on the strong start. Suryakumar Yadav scored 33 runs but failed to anchor the innings, while Tilak Varma was dismissed cheaply. Hardik Pandya contributed 40 runs but could not take the game deep enough.

Rutherford’s late fireworks go in vain

The highlight of Mumbai’s innings came from Sherfane Rutherford, who delivered a powerful unbeaten knock of 71 runs off just 31 balls. His innings included nine towering sixes and briefly revived Mumbai’s hopes. Despite his aggressive hitting in the death overs, the required run rate proved too steep.

RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages, with Suyash Sharma making a crucial impact by picking up two wickets in a single over.

RCB’s top order sets up massive total

Earlier in the match, RCB’s top-order batters laid the foundation for a commanding total. Phil Salt led the charge with an impressive 78-run innings, while Virat Kohli added a composed 50. Rajat Patidar continued the momentum with a well-crafted 53.

Their combined effort ensured RCB maintained a strong scoring rate throughout the innings. In the final overs, Tim David added a quickfire 34 runs off just 16 balls, pushing the team total to a formidable 240.

Points table impact

With this victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their third win of the season and held on to the third spot in the points table. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians slipped further down to eighth position after registering their third straight loss, managing to collect only two points so far in the tournament.

SRH vs RR IPL 2026: The 21st match of the Indian Premier League 2026 will see Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 13. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, while the toss will take place at 7:00 PM. This will be the first meeting between the two sides in the ongoing season, and both teams will be playing their fifth game of the tournament.

Team Form and Standings

Rajasthan Royals have been in exceptional form this season, winning all four of their matches so far. They currently sit at the top of the points table and will aim to continue their unbeaten streak. In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad have struggled, managing only one win in four matches while losing three. They will be under pressure to bounce back in front of their home crowd.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Sunrisers Hyderabad hold an edge over Rajasthan Royals. Out of the 21 matches played between the two teams in IPL history, Hyderabad have won 12 while Rajasthan have secured 9 victories. At the Hyderabad venue, SRH have dominated even more, winning five out of six matches played against Rajasthan. Interestingly, Rajasthan’s last win over Hyderabad came in the 2023 season, after which SRH have won four consecutive encounters.

Key Performers from Sunrisers Hyderabad

Heinrich Klaasen has been the standout performer with the bat for SRH this season. He has scored 184 runs in four matches, including two half-centuries, and currently ranks among the top run-scorers in the tournament. In the bowling department, Harsh Dubey has impressed with five wickets in four games, providing crucial breakthroughs for his team.

Rajasthan Royals’ In-Form Players

Rajasthan Royals players are currently leading both major individual charts. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been in sensational form, scoring 200 runs in four matches with two half-centuries and an impressive strike rate of 266.66. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi has been outstanding with the ball, picking up nine wickets in four matches and playing a key role in Rajasthan’s dominance this season.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is known to favor batters, often producing high-scoring contests. However, bowlers can also find assistance, especially if they maintain discipline. Out of the 84 IPL matches played at this venue, teams batting second have had a slight advantage, winning 48 matches compared to 35 wins for teams batting first.

Weather Conditions

The weather in Hyderabad is expected to be hot on match day. Temperatures could range between 40 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to around 26 degrees Celsius in the evening. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play.

Probable Playing XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to field Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan as captain and wicketkeeper, Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat and Ishan Malinga, with Vishnu Vinod as the impact player.

Rajasthan Royals may go with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper, Riyan Parag as captain, Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Sandeep Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the impact player.

Klaasen's CSK Assessment: Dhoni's Absence Won't Weaken the Yellow Brigade SRH star says Chennai remain a formidable side despite Dhoni's calf injury layoff ahead of IPL 2026 clash

Klaasen Speaks His Mind

Sunrisers Hyderabad's hard-hitting batter Heinrich Klaasen has offered a blunt assessment of Chennai Super Kings ahead of their upcoming IPL 2026 fixture, stating that the absence of MS Dhoni "doesn't really make much of a difference" to what remains a formidable side. Speaking at the JioStar Press Room, Klaasen was candid and composed — acknowledging CSK's stature while making clear that SRH are not walking in without a plan.

Dhoni's Injury and CSK's Early Stumbles

Dhoni has been sidelined from the early phase of IPL 2026 after sustaining a calf strain ahead of the season. The franchise confirmed he is undergoing rehabilitation and is likely to miss the first two weeks of the tournament. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged Dhoni's off-field influence, telling reporters that while he is not playing, he "is still heavily involved in the side, and his influence remains very strong."

Despite that, results have not gone Chennai's way. CSK arrived into this stretch of the tournament having suffered two consecutive defeats — against Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.

More Than One Man

Klaasen, however, was not prepared to suggest that Dhoni's unavailability opens the door for opponents. "CSK has got an incredible IPL record. Even with Dhoni not being there, they are not much of a lesser side. They are a very strong side. It's not going to be an easy game," the South African said. He went further, pointing out that Dhoni's recent contributions with the bat had become increasingly limited. "He has been coming to bat for just 5-10 balls in the last few years," Klaasen noted — a realistic take on how the 44-year-old has evolved into a cameo finisher rather than a primary match-winner.

Leadership the Real Loss

Klaasen did not entirely dismiss the void left by Dhoni's absence. His take was measured: "I don't think his absence will make such a big impact except for his leadership." That distinction matters. Dhoni's cricketing instincts, tactical acumen, and calming presence in pressure situations have long been CSK's intangible edge. Replacing that in real time is not straightforward — as the early-season defeats may suggest.

SRH's Own Challenges

Klaasen's comments come against the backdrop of a difficult start for SRH themselves. Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy powered SRH to 226/8 against KKR, with Klaasen contributing 52 off a brisk knock, in what remains their only win of the campaign so far. Losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants have put pressure on the side, with skipper Pat Cummins currently absent and Ishan Kishan stepping in as stand-in captain.

Klaasen, though, remains unfazed. "It's still early days in the tournament. We are confident we will fire in all departments going forward," he said.

Targeting CSK's Batting Core

Looking at the upcoming clash, Klaasen identified the need to control CSK's batting depth. "Shivam Dube is in good form, their openers are fantastic — we just need to squeeze them a bit more," he said. With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading a lineup that also features Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, and Sanju Samson behind the stumps, CSK's batting remains deep and dangerous even without their iconic No. 7.

On his own game, Klaasen was confident about handling spin — a critical factor on Indian pitches. "I've played a lot against spinners. They are coming for me and I am going after them," he said.

What Comes Next

The SRH vs CSK fixture shapes up as one of the defining contests of this IPL 2026 phase. For CSK, it is an opportunity to steady the ship and prove their resilience without Dhoni. For SRH, it is a chance to rediscover their firepower and climb the standings. Klaasen's frank words set the stage — neither intimidating the opposition nor underestimating them. That, in itself, speaks to a player confident in his team's ability to deliver when it counts.

'We'll Play at Chinnaswamy on May 31 and Lift the Cup': Shashank Singh Backs Punjab Kings for IPL 2026 Title

Punjab Kings finisher Shashank Singh has expressed unwavering confidence ahead of IPL 2026, declaring his side will go one step further after last season's heartbreak and claim their maiden IPL trophy.

Shashank Sets the Stage

Punjab Kings middle-order batter Shashank Singh has come out swinging ahead of the IPL 2026 season, making a bold prediction that his side will win the tournament and lift the coveted trophy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 31.

Speaking at the JioStar Press Room ahead of the season opener, the 34-year-old finisher left little room for doubt. "I know that on May 31st, we will be playing at the Chinnaswamy and lifting the cup. It's not just a feeling, I know this. This will happen," he said.

Heartbreak Fuels Hunger

Punjab Kings had ended a decade-long wait to reach the final last year, only to lose by six runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a closely fought title clash. That narrow defeat, rather than deflating the squad, appears to have sharpened their resolve heading into the new campaign.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side had a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, topping the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches before progressing through the playoffs to book a place in the final. The franchise now returns with its core largely intact and a point to prove.

Team Belief, Not Just Talk

Shashank was emphatic that the confidence is not one-sided — it runs through the entire dressing room. "It's the self-belief and team belief. Everyone is on the same page. There is confidence in everyone," he said.

Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, the franchise has retained 21 players from the previous season, bringing stability and a strong understanding among the players. That continuity, Shashank believes, gives PBKS an edge over rivals this time around.

Match-by-Match Approach

Despite his bold title prediction, Shashank was careful to stress that complacency will have no place in their campaign. "We will take it match by match because the ultimate aim is to get a trophy. If we keep thinking we reached the final last year, there will be a lot of pressure on us. So our immediate aim is to prepare for our first game against GT, then against CSK and KKR," he added.

The approach reflects a maturity that PBKS fans will hope translates into results on the field.

Finisher's Role Crystal Clear

On a personal level, Shashank enters IPL 2026 having recovered from a difficult year off the field. A spate of injuries, including a shoulder issue and finger fracture, kept him away from competitive cricket for a large part of the domestic season.

He has, however, made peace with his identity in the side. "It's important to love the role. Earlier, I also used to think I was a top-order batter and I had been thrown down the order. But then I fell in love with the role. The most important thing to prosper in this role is to get the backing of the team management and dressing room because you need freedom to play high-risk cricket," he said.

Team Over Personal Glory

Shashank was candid about where his priorities lie this season. "My biggest goal is to make an impact for the team. Individual goals will be secondary because I want the team to win and I want a photo with the cup," he said.

For Shashank, IPL 2026 is also about reclaiming lost ground after injuries disrupted his preparations, with the mental aspect of the game taking precedence over technical drills ahead of the season.

Young Guns and the Road Ahead

Shashank also addressed the burden of expectation that falls on PBKS youngsters Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who shone brightly in 2025. "It won't be difficult but teams will be better prepared and there will be pressure of performance this year. We all know what IPL is. There will be expectation from them," he said.

He drew on his own experience of backing up a breakthrough season. "Like last year for me, I didn't want to be a one-year wonder. Those who do well in one season, their second season becomes really important because every team is planning for us," he noted.

Punjab Kings open their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31 in New Chandigarh, with the final scheduled for May 31 — the very date Shashank Singh has circled as his moment of destiny.