IPL 2026: CSK vs PBKS Today's Match Prediction, Match 7 — Who will win today’s IPL match?
Who will win today’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, Match 7? (Source: X/@IPL)
Published - 02 Apr 2026, 05:31 PM• Read time - 12 mins
Match Preview
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns in the seventh match of IPL 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, April 3.
CSK had a forgettable outing against Rajasthan Royals last Monday. The top order fell like a pack of cards while the middle order somehow helped to put up 127 runs on the board. With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi firing on all cylinders, the target was effectively much smaller as RR romped home with almost eight overs to spare.
PBKS, on the other hand, began their campaign on a winning note but not before going through a scare towards the latter stages of the match. Cooper Connolly's unbeaten 72 off 44 balls in his first-ever IPL game guided his team to a well-earned victory. Despite the hiccup at one stage the team management would be happy with the way the team bounced back.
CSK might go in with the same line-up as it has been just one bad game for them. Even if they are going to make changes, there won't be many. As for PBKS, the good news for them is their skipper Shreyas who suffered a hit on his right wrist in the last match is likely to take the field as scans revealed no fracture. All in all, PBKS are much more likely to not make changes now than CSK.
CSK vs PBKS Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Number | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Friday, April 3 | Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | 7 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 7.30 PM |
MA Chidambaram Stadium Stats in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 91 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 51 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 40 |
| No Result | 00 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 164 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 150 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 246/5 (20) by CSK vs RR, 2010 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 70/10 (17.1) by RCB vs CSK, 2019 |
| Highest Score Chased | 211 [213/4 in 19.1 overs] by LSG vs CSK, 2024 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 126 by RCB vs CSK, 2008 |
MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Moderate | Low to moderate | High |
| Bounce | Low | Low | Variable |
| Movement | Moderate | Minimal | Moderate |
| Best Phase | Early overs | Middle and death overs | After early overs |
CSK vs PBKS Head-to-Head record in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 32 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 16 |
| Punjab Kings | 16 |
| No Results | 00 |
CSK vs PBKS Playing XI Prediction
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh Yuzvendra Chahal
Players to watch out for in CSK vs PBKS
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)
The CSK skipper failed to fire in the first match, getting dismissed for 6(11). Not just the low score but also the manner in which the 29-year-old was out would bother him. But, Gaikwad returns to his happy hunting ground. At Chepauk, the right-hander has 764 runs in 18 innings at an average of 50.93 and a strike rate of 141.74. It is a good chance for the Maharashtra lad to get going this season.
Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS)
Chepauk generally supports spin bowlers and Chahal could be hard to get away if it happens. The leg spinner's record at this ground is more than decent with 11 wickets in nine innings to his name. The economy rate of 7.45 is praiseworthy and PBKS would rely on the tweaker to a large extent in this match.
Today's Match Prediction: Punjab Kings to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.
