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Two notable absentees from today's CSK vs MI El Clasico at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai have generated questions from fans ahead of the toss. Akeal Hosein is not in CSK's playing XI despite being one of their more effective bowlers this season and Rohit Sharma is in the MI camp but has not been named in the playing XI. Here is the full picture on both.

CSK vs MI: Why Akeal Hosein is not playing for Chennai at Chepauk

Akeal Hosein has had a productive IPL 2026 season for CSK taking six wickets in four matches at an economy of 7.98 including a four-wicket haul of 4 for 17 which remains his best figures for the franchise.

His left-arm spin has been one of CSK's more reliable bowling options in the middle overs. However Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed at the toss that two changes have been made to the XI. Prashant Veer comes in for Akeal Hosein and Ramakrishna Ghosh replaces Gurjapneet Singh.

The decision to drop Hosein despite his form appears to be a tactical one with Gaikwad opting to give Prashant Veer a run in what is a must-improve situation for a CSK side still searching for consistency this season. Hosein remains in the Impact Sub options alongside Kartik Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Short and Gurjapneet Singh so he could still feature if conditions demand a spin option during the game.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Why teams using fewer players are winning more?

CSK vs MI: Why Rohit Sharma is not playing for Mumbai at Chepauk

Rohit Sharma is present at Chepauk and in the MI camp but has not been named in the playing XI. Hardik Pandya confirmed at the toss that the leggie Raghu Sharma makes his IPL debut and Krish Bhagat comes back in for Ashwani Kumar but made no specific mention of Rohit's status.

Rohit has been managing a hamstring injury since he was hurt in the RCB match on April 12 and has missed several games since. While recent reports suggested he had stepped up training intensity and completed sessions without discomfort the MI management appears to have decided against rushing him back for today's game.

MI are in a desperate position on the points table and the temptation to bring Rohit back must be significant but protecting him from aggravating the injury appears to have taken priority. He is listed among the Impact Sub options which means there remains a possibility he could be used in that capacity if the situation demands it during the match.

CSK vs MI Playing XIs

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Robin Minz, Trent Boult, Krish Bhagat, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar