Akeal Hosein Left Out Against GT Despite Strong Form? CSK’s Bowling Plans Revealed

The 66th match of IPLK 2026 is being played between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the biggest cricket stadium in the world. However, CSK made a big change in their team by leaving out the left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein from the playing 11.

Hosein has been in excellent form in this season of Indian Premier League. He has been one of the most in-form players despite the team not doing well. Hosein has been constantly picking up wickets with the new ball and his absence in this match was a surprise.

Is Akeal Hosein Dropped by CSK Against GT?

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed at the toss that Akeal Hosein has been left out of this match. Gaikwad mentioned that the change has been made keeping the conditions in mind, as he believes that it will be more favorable to the pacers in the GT vs CSK IPL 2026 match.

Left-arm seamer Gurjapneet Singh has been brought into the team as Akeal Hosein replacement. Looking at the change, it seems that Chennai Super Kings are hoping for the pitch to be fast and bouncy.

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report suggests that the surface provides pace and bounce to the new ball bowlers. However, it gets better to bat on as the match progresses. Hence, teams choose to field first most of the times.

Akeal Hosein's Impressive IPL Season

Akeal Hosein has picked up 8 wickets in 7 matches in IPL this season. However, the control over the new ball has been his biggest strength and his economy rate of 8.02 is a big proof of that. Despite playing on batting-friendly pitches, Hosein has been able to contain some of the best batsmen in IPL.

His powerplay bowling has been his biggest strength as he has foxed the batters with his variations. Hosein played a key role in CSK's comeback after a slow start to the season. However, it doesn't seem to be enough as they are lurking at the bottom half of the IPL points table and require several results to go their way.

It looked like Akeal Hosein's absence in this match at Ahmedabad cost CSK as they were taken for plenty. He would have been crucial against GT openers, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, as they gave their team an excellent start.