The seventh match Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 started in Chennai with Chennai Super Kings locks opposite horns Kings of the Punjab at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting early season contest.
Shreyas Iyer silences injury doubts during the innings
There was a lot of uncertainty about the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer after he suffered an injury in PBKS’s previous match. However, the right-hander put all speculations to rest as he confidently went for the toss.
Speaking briefly after winning the toss, Iyer confirmed that he is fit and ready to lead his side. His presence has been a huge boost for the Punjab Kings, especially given his importance as both a leader and a key middle-order batter.
PBKS decided to remain consistent by naming an unchanged playing XI. The management’s decision reflects confidence in their current combination as they look to build momentum in the early stages of the tournament.
CSK made a big debut for Prashant Veer
On the other hand, led by Chennai Super Kings Ruturaj GaikwadHe made a significant change in his staff. The franchise debuted a young talent Prashant Veerwho replaced the Australian all-rounder Matthew Short playing XI.
Although Gaikwad did not elaborate on the reasons behind the change, the move was expected by many. Prashant was one of the top signings bought for a whopping INR 14.2 crore in the IPL 2026 mega auction. His inclusion signals CSK’s intent to invest in young, high-potential players.
A debut also adds an element of interest, with fans keen to see how the youngster performs under pressure in a venue known to test his skills and character.
Also READ: IPL 2026: LSG clears air on Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka, on-field spat, backlash mounts
Fans are celebrating the arrival of a new star
Prashant’s entry created an instant buzz on social media platforms. Chennai Super Kings fans and cricket enthusiasts alike flooded their timelines with congratulatory messages and excitement over the youngster’s debut. Many praised the CSK management for backing the young Indian talent, while others expressed hope that Veer would justify his hefty price tag and emerge as a future star for the franchise.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
🚨Debut for young gun Prashant Veer !!
Well go boy, play freely to your full potential. CSK nation is behind you 💛 pic.twitter.com/ue3w1ymF4n
— Navneet 🚩 (@MSDian067) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer makes his Pauk debut for Csk.
Good luck Young Bala 💛 pic.twitter.com/qLWlkX6cnc
— CRICitism (@CRICitism) April 3, 2026
🚨 Finally THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EXPENSIVE ACTOR PRASHANT VEER IS DEBUT TODAY 💛💛💛💛💛🚨 pic.twitter.com/SH2AZZOGD9
— DB (@Brevisnation7) April 3, 2026
An IPL debut at Chepauk is either a dream start or a brutal reality check, and there’s no easing in for Prashant Veer – direct pressure, expectations and a fan base that remembers everything#IPL2026 #CSKvsPBKS
— Chandler Bing (@iamkaushik24) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma. Doubly excited 🙂
— Akshay Natarajan (@akshaynatarajan) April 3, 2026
Karthik Sharma and Prashant Veer
Let’s see how the young lions play today. 😍
— Lone Warlord (@Opulent_Arc) April 3, 2026
Chennai Super Kings bat first at our home ground, Chepauk. Anbuden! ✨
Prashant Veer makes his CSK debut replacing Matt Short. 🦁
The roar of the crowd is absolutely incredible. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/4mkJW2mLRK
— 𝐒𝐮𝐣🌸🐥 (@SujalCSK) April 3, 2026
Finally! Prashant Veer is playing 11 💛🔥 for CSK#CSKvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/ImdY7qwfpO
— LuckyCSK™ (@LuckyCSK24) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer replaces Matt Short. 💥
Hopefully a great debut upload. 💛 pic.twitter.com/iAcSgqXIn3
— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) April 3, 2026
Good innings by CSK
Prashant Veer will be more comfortable than Matt Short
— GÖÔDMÅÑ🌻 (@Julyy07_18) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer debuts for Chennai Super Kings 🥳💛#ChennaiSuperKings #CSK #Whistlepod #IPL #IPL2026 #BCCI
— Chennai Franchise fan (@cskjsktskcfc) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer is the more expensive player in the Playing XI.
Happy for him.
— Saurabh 🏏 (@MR_CricAnalyst) April 3, 2026
Featuring Prashant Veer for Matt Short 🔥
— Shakthi (@Shakthi82463806) April 3, 2026
Prashant Matt Henry switched to 🥵
— Abhi 🇮🇳 (@abhi7781_) April 3, 2026
Our star boy Prashant Veer makes his CSK debut 💥🔥✨️ pic.twitter.com/jr7GEg6QkC
— Shyam (@Shyam_1200) April 3, 2026
Prashant was playing in place of Veer Happy ki Short.
— ♡ (@itspsp07) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer makes his CSK debut 💛
— Vishakan Soundararajan (@Vishak_Sound) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer debut whistles
– mental senthil (@JakDexxter) April 3, 2026
Finally Prashant veer enters
Good decision mutu bhai love you.
— 🇿🇦 (@pardik_handya) April 3, 2026
Less Prashant veer in today’s XI 🔥#CSKvPBKS
— Noob Cricketer080 (@cricketer080) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer in brief. Go well baby 💛
— Me 🙂 (@bodhakai_) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer debuts today 💛🔥
— Vallavan 👑 (@VallavanCricket) April 3, 2026
🚨Latest news-
-Prashant Veer debuts for CSK ✅
-Matt Short releasedpic.twitter.com/LIECaeIjof— Jayprakash MSDian™ (@ms_dhoni_077) April 3, 2026
Prashant veer debut 👏
— Jҽɾɾɾ (@Onnum__illa) April 3, 2026
Prashant Veer Debuts.
Well done Lad, hopefully at least a 10 year career in yellow.
— Nick (@Attitudist) April 3, 2026
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