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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a puncher’s chance of qualifying for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Playoffs. After doing a double on the Mumbai Indians (MI), the 5-time champions are in contention to finish the 19th edition of the league in the top four. Yes, it won’t be easy, but there is some hope. After a disastrous start, with three consecutive losses, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team has found its way, winning four out of six matches. But it won’t be easy.
MS Dhoni out of Delhi Capitals match
Injuries, who’ve been a thorn in the side for CSK from the beginning, have come to haunt them again. Nathan Ellis, Ayush Mhatre, and Khaleel Ahmed are all already out. Dewald Brevis also missed 3 games. MS Dhoni, who hasn’t been available in IPL 2026, will miss the Delhi Capitals (DC) match on May 5. CSK expects him to recover at some point, but he’ll miss the 10th game of the season for them.
MS Dhoni picked up a calf injury during the pre-season and hasn’t recovered yet | Image Credit: Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB Media via AlamyWho’ll replace Ramakrishna Ghosh?
One expected Dhoni to miss out, since he hadn’t been playing. But CSK has another. Ramakrishna Ghosh, who made his IPL debut on May 2 against MI, is the latest to be ruled out. The 28-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder had bowled 3 overs before walking off the field. It was assumed that Ghosh was cramping, but it turns out he fractured his right foot. Now, CSK needs to find a replacement for him in the squad and in the starting XI.
CSK doesn’t really have another fast bowling all-rounder in the squad, not counting Jamie Overton. They are such a rare commodity that finding a replacement isn’t easy. CSK has to revert to the old side, which didn’t have Ghosh. Akeal Hosein will return, since the DC game is in Delhi. He’ll elongate the batting and be useful in the powerplay.
Kartik Sharma will replace Prashant Veer, who can be one of the impact subs alongside Sarfaraz Khan and Gurjapneet Singh. This way, CSK will have the flexibility. They can use either of the three depending on the situation.
Predicted CSK Playing XI vs DC
| 1 | Sanju Samson (wk) | Opener |
| 2 | Ruturaj Gaikwad (c) | Opener |
| 3 | Urvil Patel | Top-order batter |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis  | Middle-order batter |
| 5 | Shivam Dube | Middle-order batter |
| 6 | Kartik Sharma | Middle-order batter |
| 7 | Jamie Overton | Bowling all-rounder (pace) |
| 8 | Akeal Hosein | Left-arm orthodox spinner |
| 9 | Noor Ahmad | Left-arm wrist spinner |
| 10 | Mukesh Choudhary | Left-arm fast bowler |
| 11 | Anshul Kamboj | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Impact Sub | Gurjapneet Singh/ Sarfaraz Khan/ Prashant Veer |
The post Predicted CSK Playing XI vs DC: MS Dhoni still unfit, who replaces injured Ramakrishna Ghosh? appeared first on Inside Sport India.
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