Scheduled at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, the seventh match of the IPL 2026 on 3rd April at 7:30 PM IST will feature Chennai Super Kings against Punjab Kings.
Get the best CSK vs PBKS Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 7th match of the IPL 2026. Expert analysis and more.
CSK vs PBKS Match Preview:
The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League moves to the MA Chidambaram Stadium as Chennai Super Kings host Punjab Kings in Match Number 7. This highly anticipated encounter takes place on April 3, 2026, with the action scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams enter this fixture following contrasting starts to their campaigns, making this a pivotal early-season battle for momentum.
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The head-to-head record between these two storied franchises remains remarkably close in this format of the competition. Out of the 29 total matches played in the IPL, Chennai Super Kings have secured 16 victories, while Punjab Kings have claimed 13 wins. However, Punjab has enjoyed a superior run in recent years, winning five of their last six encounters against the five-time champions, which adds a layer of psychological pressure on the hosts.
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Chennai Super Kings enter this home game under significant pressure after a bruising defeat in their opening match against Rajasthan Royals. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team currently languishes at the bottom of the points table in 10th position with a net run rate of -4.171. Key players like Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube will need to find their rhythm quickly to stabilize the batting, while Noor Ahmad remains the primary threat in their bowling department as they look to defend their fortress at Chepauk.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings arrive in Chennai with high spirits following an impressive victory in their first outing. Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, the squad currently occupies the 5th spot on the points table with 2 points and a positive net run rate of +0.509. Additionally, the explosive form of Prabhsimran Singh and the clinical bowling of Arshdeep Singh make them a formidable opponent. Furthermore, their recent dominance over CSK suggests they possess the tactical blueprint required to succeed in challenging away conditions.
Therefore, both franchises will aim to secure two crucial points to strengthen their standing in the tournament. Chennai Super Kings will focus on utilizing their spin-friendly home conditions to register their first win and climb out of the bottom spot. Conversely, Punjab Kings will strive to maintain their winning streak and leverage their recent head-to-head edge to secure a significant away victory.
CSK vs PBKS Head-to-Head Record:
|
Teams |
Matches Won |
|
Chennai Super Kings |
16 |
|
Punjab Kings |
16 |
CSK vs PBKS Weather & Pitch Report:
|
Temperature |
27°C |
|
Weather Forecast |
Partly Cloudy |
|
Pitch Behaviour |
Batting-friendly |
|
Best Suited To |
Pace and spin |
|
Average 1st innings score |
164 |
Record of chasing teams:
CSK vs PBKS Playing 11s (Predicted):
Chennai Super Kings Playing 11:
1) Sanju Samson (wk)
2) Ruturaj Gaikwad ©
3) Ayush Mhatre
4) Matthew Short
5) Shivam Dube
6) Sarfaraz Khan
7) Kartik Sharma
8) Jamie Overton
9) Noor Ahmad
10) Matt Henry
11) Anshul Kamboj
12) Khaleel Ahmed
Punjab Kings Playing 11:
1) Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
2) Priyansh Arya
3) Shreyas Iyer ©
4) Cooper Connolly
5) Nehal Wadhera
6) Marcus Stoinis
7) Shashank Singh
8) Marco Jansen
9) Vijaykumar Vyshak
10) Arshdeep Singh
11) Yuzvendra Chahal
12) Xavier Bartlett
Hot Picks for CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
|
Cooper Connolly – Promising left-handed batting all-rounder for Punjab Kings impressed with an unbeaten 72, anchoring innings brilliantly during a sensational debut performance. |
|
Sanju Samson – Experienced right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman for Chennai Super Kings managed 6 runs in season opener, aiming to regain rhythm and deliver impactful performances ahead. |
Top Picks:
|
Jamie Overton – Resilient right-handed batting all-rounder for Chennai Super Kings contributed 43 runs, displaying fighting spirit during his opening appearance of the season. |
|
Shreyas Iyer – Right-handed top-order batsman and Punjab Kings captain scored a quick 18 off 11 balls, showcasing aggressive intent for upcoming matches. |
Budget Picks:
|
Matthew Short – Versatile right-handed batting all-rounder for Chennai Super Kings managed 2 runs, yet remains a crucial tactical option with multi-dimensional skills. |
|
Priyansh Arya – Young left-handed opening batsman for Punjab Kings scored 7 runs, offering early momentum and potential for substantial contributions in upcoming fixtures. |
CSK vs PBKS IPL 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
|
Captain |
Sanju Samson & Cooper Connolly |
|
Vice-Captain |
Shreyas Iyer & Jamie Overton |
CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Sanju Samson ©, Prabhsimran Singh
- Batters – Shreyas Iyer (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre
- All-rounders – Jamie Overton, Shivam Dube, Marco Jansen, Cooper Connolly
- Bowlers – Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keeper – Sanju Samson
- Batters – Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Priyansh Arya
- All-rounders – Jamie Overton (vc), Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Marco Jansen, Cooper Connolly ©
- Bowlers – Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today Match 7 IPL 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
Players |
Dream11 Credits |
Dream11 Points (Last match) |
|
Vishnu Vinod |
7.0 credits |
NA |
|
Kartik Sharma |
6.5 credits |
NA |
CSK vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today Match 7 IPL 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL Captaincy Choice |
Sanju Samson |
|
GL Captaincy Choice |
Cooper Connolly |
|
Punt Picks |
Matthew Short and Priyansh Arya |
|
Dream11 Combination |
2-3-4-2 |
CSK vs PBKS Match Winner Prediction:
Considering the home advantage, Chennai Super Kings is expected to win this match.