Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday (May 18), leaving their IPL 2026 playoff qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Opting to bat, CSK posted a total of 180/7 in 20 overs. Dewald Brevis was the standout batter with a blistering 44 off just 27 balls, supported by Kartik Sharma (32 off 19) and Sanju Samson (27 off 13).
In reply, SRH overhauled the 181-run target in 19 overs. Ishan Kishan led the charge with an excellent 70 off 47 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen contributed 47 off 26 deliveries.
Speaking after the game, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad deemed 180 to be a par score on the Chepauk surface, but noted that their failure to strike and build pressure right after taking wickets allowed SRH to comfortably chase the total.
“(It was pretty tight right till the end?) Yes, it was. I thought, you know, a good game of cricket. Obviously, we were into the game until the second last over. And I think a good T20 pitch as well. I think it didn't change much throughout the course of the game. And I thought 180 runs was a rounded about par score, chasing the second batting. So, a good game. Just missed out on few, but I mean, that's okay. Still proud of the boys,” Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation.
“(Was there one area where you probably could have been better today?) I think nothing actually, just cashing in on the opportunity right after you take a wicket. That's where you want to kind of build pressure on the opposition. I think we just weren't able be able to do that,” he added.
Despite the defeat, Gaikwad said he was proud of the effort shown by the squad, especially considering the challenges faced by the team this season.
“But I think still, given the team that we had and limited squad and whatever best combinations we had, I'm still proud and I still feel we did well,” he stated.
Gaikwad highlighted standout performances from Sanju Samson and INR 14.2 Crore signing Kartik Sharma as major positives for the team’s future.
“(Do you think that you can still build on this team going into next year?) Well, definitely. We are building up. I think a lot of positives, to be honest. Sanju's addition is a great sign. He's playing really well for us. Kartik Sharma, once again a great knock today. So, I think we are building. Obviously, missed out on a few players, a few key players who were part of the playing 12th. And I think after that, you have to look back and go, where can we find those exact replacements, yes or not? So obviously, it depends on a lot of factors, but still, given whatever squad we had, everyone gave their heart out today. And as I said, still proud of the boys,” he remarked.
It was CSK’s last home and the captain thanked the Chennai fans for their support throughout the season.
“(Word for the CSK fans?) Yes, sir. The crowd, the fans that we have all around the world, they come and support us through the thick and thin. So, yes, we lost a couple of games at home, but I think, compared to last year, we were still very much better this year. And definitely coming here next year will be a much more stronger unit,” Gaikwad concluded.
With 12 points from 13 matches, CSK sit in sixth place and no longer control their own fate. They must win their last league match against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on May 21 and depend heavily on other results to secure a top-four finish.
