Former India player Aakash Chopra has urged the CSK to include Akeal Hosein in their playing XI for their IPL 2026 match against the Gujarat Titans (GT). He added that CSK can leave out a fast bowler to accommodate the left-arm spinner as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “Mahi (MS Dhoni) might or might not be available. They brought in Akeal in the last match, but it was a last-minute thought. Don’t think like that this time because it’s an afternoon game, you will need two spinners, and both are quality spinners.”

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“So please start with Akeal. He should bowl with the new ball. You can keep a fast bowler out. I know there is a slight batting problem. I get what you are doing, but I would say compromise a fast bowler, but keep Akeal in the XI for sure. You shouldn’t lose Akeal while taking the Impact Player. Rutu, you need to score runs. Sanju is playing very well, but eventually, Rutu has to score because if he doesn’t score runs, this team won’t be able to do very well without the captain doing well. You can see Riyan Parag’s situation. Ruturaj Gaikwad is actually in the same boat,” he shared again.

However, Aakash Chopra said that the Gujarat Titans might retain Manav Suthar in their playing combination as well.

“They played Manav Suthar in the last match. They can play him once again because two spinners will be required here. They don’t get Washi to bowl, and that’s another problem, but the opposing team doesn’t have too many left-handers as well. They (GT) will try to win the match on the back of their bowling. However, if Chennai strikes three blows at the start, it’s very difficult to give three blows at the start, but if they bowl well, they will stay competitive in the game, and you can squeeze them in the end,” Aakash Chopra concluded.