Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a clinical five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 7 of the IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday (April 3).

Chasing 210 to win, PBKS reached the target with eight deliveries to spare, marking their second consecutive win and leaving CSK winless after two outings.

During the chase, Priyansh Arya (39 off 11) and Prabhsimran Singh (43 off 34) set the tone with a quickfire 61-run partnership for the opening wicket. Cooper Connolly (36 off 22) and skipper Shreyas Iyer (50 off 29) followed it up with blistering knocks to keep the required run rate under check post the powerplay.

In the end, Shashank Singh (14* off 6) and Marcus Stoinis (9* off 3) produced handy cameos to take PBKS over the finishing line.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer credited the team's aggressive mindset and the explosive start provided by Priyansh and Prabhsimran for successfully chasing down a formidable target.

"Well, obviously, there's a worry before getting onto the field, but the way we started today, I think that was an exceptional start for us. Priyansh and Prab doing the job at the start and then setting the bench for us going inside. And I personally feel that the way they've been batting over years now, it's phenomenal to see them giving us that start and it stabilizes the rhythm for us,” Iyer said.

“And I'm glad that everyone is getting to bat in the first two games itself. That gives immense confidence for the team as well. So that, you know, whenever we are stuck in pressure situation, people are aware of how to handle them,” he added.

The captain also revealed that Punjab’s new dressing room mantra is focused on internal performance rather than external validation.

“We've decided in the dressing room that whatever happens, we are going to play a brand of cricket which is to impress each other, not others outside. So, that gives us a certain sort of clarity as well when we approach the game. And it is basically challenging each other inside the dressing room, not outside,” he stated.

Shreyas Iyer was effusive in praise of Priyansh Arya, who took the CSK bowling attack to the cleaners.

“I mean, getting 39 out of 11 balls, that's the start we require, especially when you're chasing 208. I think it was a belter to bat on. But the way we started, it was 25 off 3 overs and then suddenly they started picking up from there,” he said.

Vijaykumar Vyshak was the pick of the bowlers for PBKS, claiming two wickets by conceding 38 runs in his four overs. Yuzvendra Chahal also recorded impressive figures of 1/21 in three overs.

Shreyas opened up on his decision to hold back Chahal, saying that he wanted to keep the wrist-spinner away from Dube, who is known for his ability to hit long sixes against slow bowlers.

“Yes, I feel that we all know how Dube he is against spinners. And he had one more over left and there were many domestic players who are good players of spin. So I decided to go with the seamers at that point of time. And Yuzi we know how impressive he is over the years. And he's probably one of the best bowlers in the IPL so far. So whenever I'm in doubt, I go to him,” he concluded.