Who will win the MI vs CSK match? Check out the IPL 2026 match 33 prediction

The Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, two five-time champions, will face off in match No. 33 of the IPL 2026 season at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on April 23. The MI vs CSK clash is known as the El Clásico of the Indian Premier League. These two teams are the most successful in the tournament's history and have an epic rivalry. In the ongoing season, both teams have struggled since the beginning of the tournament. 

This season, both teams have been struggling consistently right from the start of the tournament. Out of the 6 matches played so far, both sides have managed to win only 2 fixtures, currently occupying the 7th (MI) and 8th (CSK) spots on the points table. Mumbai showed signs of getting back on the winning track by defeating GT by 99 runs in their last match, whereas Chennai, following two consecutive victories, suffered a 10-run defeat against SRH in their previous outing. At this juncture, a win is absolutely crucial for both teams, and a defeat is simply unacceptable to either side. A historic rivalry has long existed between these two teams, and once again, fans are eagerly awaiting this match. Both teams are looking balanced, and fans could witness a thriller. 

Pitch Report: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

The match will be played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The ground is generally considered to be a high-scoring ground, and once again, something similar is expected to happen. This year, a total of 3 matches were held on this ground, with the team batting first winning 1 match, while the team chasing won twice. Both teams can decide to bowl first after winning the toss. If the team bats first, then they will have no other option except to make a huge total on this ground. Last time, when these two teams collided on this ground during IPL 2025, the hosts, Mumbai Indians, defeated the visitors, Chennai Super Kings, by 9 wickets.

MI vs CSK: Head-to-Head in IPL

The Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have faced each other 39 times in IPL history so far, with MI winning 21 and CSK winning 18 times. However, in the last 5 meetings, CSK have an upper hand on MI with 4-1. 

MI vs CSK: Probable Playing XIIs

Currently, both teams are grappling with injury concerns regarding their players. Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma missed the previous match due to a hamstring injury, and Danish Malewal was given the opportunity to play in his stead. However, Danish managed to score only 2 runs. It remains to be seen whether Rohit will be fit to play in this match or if he still requires more time to recover. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings are also contending with injuries to MS Dhoni, Ayush Mhatre, and Khaleel Ahmed. Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre have already been ruled out of the tournament entirely. Meanwhile, it is currently uncertain whether MS Dhoni will be able to participate in this match. Consequently, some major changes could be expected in the lineups of both teams.

Predicted MI playing XII

Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma/Danish Malewal, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya ©, Sherfane Rutherford/Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Jasprit Bumrah, Allah Ghazanfar, Krish Bhagat, Ashwani Kumar (Impact player)

Predicted CSK playing XII

Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matthew Short, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Urvil Patel/MS Dhoni, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh

Note: If MS Dhoni plays, he could be the wicket-keeper for CSK. 

Players to watch out for in the MI vs CSK IPL 2026 match

Best batter: Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians)

Having been searching for his form for quite some time, Tilak Varma delivered his team's second victory of the season in the previous match against GT by smashing a memorable century. Tilak will now look to carry this same form forward against CSK. Tilak regaining his form is excellent news for the Mumbai Indians. Everyone knows that when Tilak is in form, regardless of the batting position he occupies, he possesses not only the mettle to steer his team out of difficult situations but also the capability to win matches.

Best bowler: Ashwani Kumar (Mumbai Indians)

In the previous match, MI included Ashwani Kumar in the Playing XI in place of Trent Boult, and by taking 4 wickets, he completely dismantled the Gujarat Titans' batting order. Ashwani could pose a challenge to CSK's batsmen as well. His swing, cutters, and constant variations while bowling could prove to be a source of trouble for the CSK batters.