Former India player Subramaniam Badrinath urged the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to replace Australian all-rounder Matthew Short with Akeal Hosein in the playing 11 for the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 3 as well. The match will be CSK’s first one at home this
season after the loss to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their season opener in Guwahati as well.

“I want Akeal Hosein to come in with the match being played in Chennai. I will bring him in place of Matthew Short. I have confidence in Overton’s batting after his 40 in the first game. So it would be better to retain him as a batter who can bowl,” he said.

“Traditionally, powerplay bowlers have been successful at Chepauk. From Ravichandran Ashwin to now, spinners have done really well in the powerplay in Chennai. Akeal Hosein has that unique ability to bowl in the powerplay,” he further added.

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However, Subramaniam Badrinath further asked CSK to make changes to their batting order in the upcoming PBKS match as well. He also believes captain Ruturaj Gaikwad should move down the order to No.4, with Sarfaraz Khan batting at No.3 as well.

“The first thing I would do is break the Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening partnership. Ayush Mhatre must open along with Sanju Samson. Sarfaraz Khan should bat at No.3, followed by Ruturaj Gaikwad at No.4. This will add experience to the middle-order and give it a more well-rounded look,” concluded Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).

S Badrinath’s CSK playing XI vs PBKS:

Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Karthik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj