IPL 2026, Match 7: CSK vs PBKS Head-to-Head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings will take on Punjab Kings in Match 7 of IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 3. The teams are coming into this match with contrasting momentum, and this is what makes it an exciting match. CSK is eager to make a comeback, while PBKS is aiming to continue its winning streak.

Chennai Super Kings had a poor outing in their first game, as they were bowled out for 127 runs. The batting line-up of CSK was struggling badly, as only Jamie Overton was able to make an impact with an unbeaten 43. The bowling department was also unable to make an impact, as they were unable to defend such a small total. Playing at home, CSK will now aim to improve their overall performance and get their first win of the season.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, started their campaign with a thrilling win over Gujarat Titans. The bowlers performed well by restricting the opposition to just 162/6, led by Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yuzvendra Chahal. While chasing, they faced some trouble, but Cooper Connolly played a match-winning knock of 72 to guide the team home. PBKS will be confident and aim to carry this momentum forward.

CSK vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 33
  
• Chennai Super Kings Won: 17
  
• Punjab Kings Won: 15
  
• Tied: 1
  
• No Result: 0

CSK vs PBKS: Pitch Report

MA Chidambaram Stadium, also called Chepauk, usually helps spin bowlers because the pitch is slow and offers turn. This is making it difficult for the batters to score. Teams that are chasing have had a small advantage here. The average first-innings score is about 161, and a total between 160 and 175 is considered competitive. Spinners often play an important role, especially during the middle and final overs.

See Also: Navi Mumbai challenges Narendra Modi Stadium with new 100000-seater top-notch cricket stadium

CSK vs PBKS: Predicted Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Player: Sarfaraz Khan / Prashant Veer

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal / Yash Thakur