Cummins, Kishan, Klaasen power SRH into playoffs; CSK not out yet
The win for SRH also took Gujarat Titans into the playoffs as CSK finished their home leg with a loss
The win for SRH also took Gujarat Titans into the playoffs as CSK finished their home leg with a loss
Scorer: Sudeep Poojar | Commentator: @himanshu_a30
Just one spot for the playoffs left to be grabbed. CSK are one of the five teams in contention, but with very little hope. Here's Alagappan Muthu's report from tonight, in case you missed the action. Until next time, it's goodnight and goodbye!
Ishan Kishan is the Player of the Match: "When I was keeping, I felt the wicket was not easy - especially when the spinners were bowling, and the slower balls working really well. I had to just play till the last over. It was just about being there and believing in yourself. You cannot doubt yourself at any time. Being in the middle, it's difficult for the bowlers to get it right every time. We both [me and Klaasen] were just playing our shots... I was just feeling blessed from upstairs."
Pat Cummins: "Really satisfying. Pretty tough wicket to bat. That partnership [between Kishan and Klaasen] was really tough. They just chose their match-ups, and played some ridiculous shots. When we were bowling, we felt like it was staying a bit low. Felt like it came down to one or two partnerships. Felt like it was round about par. Can't give yourself a better chance than what we have. The real stuff starts now. There's always a few things [to work on]. Overall, really happy."
Time for the presentations
Kasinathan: "Four teams in the fray for the fourth spot" --- Five, including KKR, who are currently eighth.
Ajith: "The innings from Ruturaj the difference between CSK winning and losing!"
Heinrich Klaasen takes the Orange Cap: "It was a difficult chase. Coming here and chasing a score like that is always a tough ask. The first couple of balls I blocked, and I said no, I can't play like this! Whole season, it has been like that [someone plays a supporting role]. The pitched stayed low. It was a little bit up and down. It's not an easy place to play cricket. If we win the last game, I think we can make it one or two [on the points table]."
Ruturaj Gaikwad: "Good game of cricket. We were in the game until the second-last over. Good T20 pitch. Didn't change over the course of the game. Just missed out on a few. Just cashing in on the opportunity [could have been done]. Still, given the team we had, and limited squad, I'm still proud and feel we did well. Lot of positives, to be honest. Sanju has been playing really well for us. Missed out on a few key players. Obviously depends on a lot of factors. Everyone gave their heart out today, and proud of the boys. The crowd and the fans we have, they support us through thick and thin. Compared to last year, we were very much better this year."
11.37pm It was CSK's last home game this season, and the build-up featured immense excitement of Dhoni finally playing. But by the end of the game, CSK's playoffs hopes hang by a thread. A total of 180 didn't prove to be enough, as Kishan's 70 and CSK's early drop of Klaasen turned out to be the difference. Klaasen hit 47, and turned the screws in the middle overs.
Ankit: "After the wicketkeeper bat from Jharkhand departs, Ravichandran here to finish things at Chepauk!"
Elvis: "Too little too late..."
Smaran.
Ishan Kishan c Patel b Kamboj 70 (96m 47b 7x4 3x6) SR: 148.93
SRH one hit away. Six for Kishan?
Nikhil: "Fans don't need to worry as long as a WK from Jharkhand is at the crease in these chases" --- Ha!
Kishan and Klaasen, not for the first time this season, played key roles when the celebrated Travishek at the top couldn't get going
Anshul Kamboj, meanwhile, has become the third bowler this season to touch, or cross, 20 wickets
"It's the management's call, not mine," CSK coach Stephen Fleming says of his own future with the team as their chance of entering the IPL 2026 playoffs hangs by a thread
Bowling first, SRH's seamers bowled 39 slower deliveries out of their 102 to find great success; CSK didn't have the personnel to pull off something similar
The win for SRH also took Gujarat Titans into the playoffs as CSK finished their home leg with a loss