Chennai Super Kings host Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 22 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at Chennai, with both teams desperate to build momentum. CSK come in with a morale-boosting win, while KKR continue their search for their first victory.
Match details
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST | 7:00 AM PST | 2:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
Chennai Super Kings endured a difficult start with three consecutive losses but bounced back strongly with a 23-run victory over Delhi Capitals. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, the five-time champions will aim to build consistency, especially at home where conditions suit their style.
Kolkata Knight Riders have struggled significantly this season, sitting at the bottom of the table with three defeats in four games, alongside one washed-out match. Under Ajinkya Rahane, the team has failed to convert key moments into wins and will be eager to turn their fortunes around.
Key players
Sanju Samson will be the key batter for CSK after his stunning unbeaten 115 in the previous match. His form at the top of the order provides stability and aggression, making him a major threat for KKR.
For Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunil Narine remains a crucial figure. His economical spell in the last game highlighted his control, and his experience on turning tracks could prove vital at Chepauk.
Head-to-head record
Matches played: 32
Chennai Super Kings wins: 20
Kolkata Knight Riders wins: 11
Tied: 0
No result: 1
Chennai Super Kings hold a strong advantage historically in this rivalry.
Pitch report
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has evolved into a more batting-friendly surface in recent seasons. While it traditionally assisted spinners, recent matches have seen better support for batters. Bowlers who hit the deck hard can still extract some assistance, making variation and discipline key factors.
Probable playing XIs
Chennai Super Kings (Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad)
Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed
Impact Player: Sarfaraz Khan
Kolkata Knight Riders (Captain: Ajinkya Rahane)
Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Navdeep Saini, Kartik Tyagi
Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora
Probable match scenarios
If Chennai Super Kings bat first, they will aim for a total between 190 and 200, building on strong top-order performances and finishing power. Their bowlers will then look to apply pressure through disciplined spells.
If Kolkata Knight Riders bat first, they could target 200 to 210, relying on aggressive batting throughout the innings. Their bowlers must deliver early breakthroughs to contain CSK’s in-form batting lineup.
The chasing side may hold a slight advantage depending on conditions and dew factor.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: JioStar Network channels, JioHotstar app and website
Pakistan: Tapmad TV, local sports broadcasters
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Go app
Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports
Global: Official IPL streaming platforms and regional broadcast partners
Match prediction
Chennai Super Kings appear to have regained confidence after their recent win and will benefit from home conditions. Kolkata Knight Riders, despite having a capable squad, have struggled with consistency and execution. With better momentum and a superior head-to-head record, Chennai Super Kings hold the edge and are likely to secure another win if they maintain their performance levels.
