Why MS Dhoni not playing in RCB vs CSK?

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a highly anticipated clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. RCB head into the contest with momentum after winning their opening game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while CSK are under pressure, having lost both their matches so far this season.

Toss Update

Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of the Chennai Super Kings, won the toss and opted to bowl first, noting that it is a high-scoring venue and the pitch looks good for batting. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar, leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said he would have preferred to bowl as well but added that his side will look to post a strong total and put CSK under pressure.

Both teams unchanged

Both teams have gone unchanged for this clash, with Chennai Super Kings sticking with the same XI despite their recent defeats. More importantly, skipper Gaikwad provided an update on MS Dhoni, stating that the veteran is gradually getting back on track and will take some time before returning to action.

RCB vs CSK: What did the captains say?

Rajat Patidar, RCB Captain

We were looking to bowl first, but it looks like a hard pitch, so we're happy to bat. It's a fresh wicket. The boys played well in the last game and we're looking to continue here. The way everyone played in the last game was tremendous, everyone had clarity in their role and they vare high in confidence. We're going with the same side.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK Captain

We will bowl first. Obviously, high scoring ground. Looks like a good pitch, there's going to be some runs. We'll look to restrict them as much as possible. MS is getting back slowly, sometimes it taks time, if he's ready to play, it'll be soon. The first game was disappointing, but our batting was much better in the second game. Everyone is feeling confident. Same team for us.

RCB vs CSK: Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy

Impact Players: Suyash Sharma,Jacob Bethell,Rasikh Salam Dar,Kanishk Chouhan,Venkatesh Iyer

Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Players: Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh,