It is getting seriously hot in the IPL 2026 playoff race, and Match 63 between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad could decide who controls their own destiny heading into the final stretch. At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, CSK will look to turn Chepauk into a yellow wall again, while SRH arrive knowing one big away win can change the entire points-table mood.
🗓 Monday, 18 May 2026 | ⏰ 7:30 PM IST
🏟 MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Head-to-Head: CSK vs SRH
The rivalry has often been shaped by CSK’s calmness under pressure and SRH’s explosive top order. Overall, Chennai hold the edge, and at Chepauk, that advantage feels even bigger because their spinners and cutters usually squeeze the life out of visiting batting units.
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 22 |
| Chennai Super Kings wins | 13 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad wins | 9 |
| Last 5 results | CSK won by 5 wickets, SRH won by 6 wickets, CSK won by 7 wickets, CSK won by 3 runs, SRH won by 7 runs |
Current Form (Last 5 IPL 2026 Matches)
CSK come into this game with the more settled rhythm. Their batting has found contributions from different phases, while the bowling attack has looked particularly dangerous on slower surfaces. SRH, meanwhile, have had their moments, especially when their openers fire, but their inconsistency in the middle overs remains a worry.
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Form Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | W, W, L, W, W | Strong momentum with 4 wins in 5 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | L, W, L, W, L | Mixed run with 2 wins in 5 |
Predicted Playing XI
Both teams are expected to stick close to their best combinations. CSK should lean on batting depth, spin control and death bowling variety, while SRH will want maximum aggression in the powerplay through their left-right opening force.
Chennai Super Kings Predicted XI
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sam Curran
- MS Dhoni
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Khaleel Ahmed
Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted XI
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Kamindu Mendis
- Pat Cummins
- Harshal Patel
- Rahul Chahar
- Mohammed Shami
- Jaydev Unadkat
Pitch Report & Weather
The Chepauk pitch is expected to be on the slower side, with grip for spinners and value for bowlers who hit hard lengths with cutters. Batting may be easier in the powerplay, but once the ball gets older, timing big shots square of the wicket could become difficult.
Weather in Chennai should be warm and humid, with dew likely to become a factor in the second innings. A score around 165-180 could be highly competitive if the surface plays typically slow.
Key Players to Watch
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The CSK captain is the kind of batter who understands Chepauk’s tempo perfectly, rotating strike early before punishing anything loose once set.
Ravindra Jadeja: On a Chennai surface, Jadeja’s four overs can decide the match; his accuracy, speed through the air and left-arm angle are tailor-made for this venue.
Travis Head: SRH’s biggest chance lies in a blazing powerplay, and if Head survives the first few overs, he can put CSK’s spinners under rare pressure.
Toss Prediction
At Chepauk, captains often think hard before choosing because the pitch can slow down, but dew may help chasing teams later. CSK may prefer to bat first and use spin pressure, while SRH could look to chase and back their attacking top order under lights.
Our Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today?
Chennai Super Kings look better placed to win today because Chepauk suits their exact strengths: spin control, smart middle-overs batting and calm finishing. With Ruturaj Gaikwad in form, Ravindra Jadeja likely to dominate the surface, and MS Dhoni’s tactical reading of this ground, CSK have a clear home advantage. SRH can threaten if their openers explode, but over 40 overs, CSK’s balance and recent form make them the stronger pick.
FAQ
What time is CSK vs SRH today?
The CSK vs SRH IPL 2026 Match 63 starts at 7:30 PM IST on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Where to watch CSK vs SRH live?
Fans can watch Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad live on the official IPL television broadcast and digital streaming partners in India. Check the official IPL app and broadcaster listings for confirmed live coverage details.
Who will win CSK vs SRH?
Our prediction is Chennai Super Kings to win. CSK’s strong recent form, home record at Chepauk and spin-heavy attack give them the edge over SRH.
What is the head-to-head record of CSK vs SRH?
CSK and SRH have played 22 matches against each other. Chennai Super Kings have won 13, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have won 9.