Arya and Shreyas star as PBKS breach CSK's fortress again
Mhatre and Sarfaraz led CSK to 209 but that total didn't prove enough to test PBKS' chase masters
Mhatre and Sarfaraz led CSK to 209 but that total didn't prove enough to test PBKS' chase masters
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Shashwat Kumar
11:48pm That will be all from us for tonight. We will be back with more IPL action tomorrow. In fact, we have a double-header lined up. Until then, though, from Ranjith and myself (Shashwat), it is goodbye!
Priyansh Arya, Player of the Match: (On his aggressive batting style) I am a little like this from when I was young, and because it benefits the team, I play in this fashion. There is a risk but I have belief in myself that I can hit the first ball. (Step-up from state leagues to the IPL) There is a bit of difference because the bowlers are experienced, and it helps to have belief in myself. I do two sessions of batting each day, and those sessions are for 1-1.5 hours each. I love batting. My family background is of teachers, and my sister is also a teacher. Sometimes I think I could have been a teacher too. (On if he will become a teacher now) Absolutely no chance now (smiles).
Shreyas Iyer, PBKS captain: The way we started today, that was an exceptional start for us. I feel the way they (Arya and Prabhsimran) have been batting has been phenomenal and it stabilizes the rhythm for us. I am glad everyone is getting to bat. It gives immense confidence to the team. Whenever we are in a pressure situation, people are aware on how to handle it. We just decided in the dressing room, we will play a brand of cricket to impress each other - that gives us a certain sort of clarity, and basically challenging each other. Getting 39 off 11 balls, that is the start we require. (On his message to the bowlers) It was a belter to bat on but the way we started, 25 off three oversâŠit is important we remain calm. Over-rate is something we should look at (moving forward) and it is the only part we should focus on. (On not bowling out Chahal) Decided to go with the seamers (seeing the batters they had). We all know how impressive he (Chahal) is, and whenever in doubt, I go to him.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK captain: I feel it was a really good score. Wicket was better for pacers but it was gripping - slower balls were gripping too. With big boundaries, felt it was a really good score. (On the Impact Player) We felt we had three seamers and having two wrist-spinners bowling in tandem will help. Off-day for both of them and that is what cost us. (On the bowling in general) Mixture of both - sometimes, we executed well, sometimes, we did not execute well. The pressure did not build. There was a point when it (required run-rate) went to 11, and a couple of good overs would have taken it to 12-13. We just did not get momentum in the middle (with the ball). Tough one (to take). Lot of positives. Ayush batted brilliantly. Shivam batted really well. Batting wise, we had good confidence. Bowling wise, lot to improve. (On his innings) Today, I felt to stick around a bit. Wicket was gripping, so thought to hang in there and then cash in but unfortunately, got out at the wrong time.
Cooper Connolly: (On the Orange Cap) Still pretty early in the season, trying to put my best foot forward. Stoked to win two (to start) but still 12 games to go. (On his role) To capitalize on the back end of the powerplay, stick to how I play the game and go from there. (On adapting to the IPL and if it has been difficult) Not particularly. Helps with a few Aussie boys around. Have played some cricket (here) with Australia A. Still a long time to go, and looking forward to picking their brains. Hopefully I will have the ball in my hand very soon. Unfortunate that I have not been able to bowl, but looking forward to getting back on the park and bowling.
11:24pm A marathon game, in terms of how long it lasted, but the result seemed like a foregone conclusion for much of the chase. Arya teed off in the powerplay, rattling along to 39 off 11 and that set the tone for the rest of the innings. Shreyas then ensured there were no hiccups (like against DC), with the others, including Connolly, also chipping in nicely.
CSK, on the other hand, lacked the necessary incision. They could not penetrate through their spinners and the tap they took in the powerplay was too severe to come back from. They also used only five bowlers, despite having Dube and Veer in their ranks, and they now have several questions to answer, heading into their next game, which is on Sunday and away to the defending champions.
5 off 10 now
Pritej: "Why not have deep third so many boundaries have gone" -- CSK hedged their bets. And lost.
12 off 12. Run-a-ball needed. PBKS would ideally not want to take it to the 20th. Kamboj to bowl the 19th
Priyansh Arya stole the thunder from Sarfaraz Khan despite playing just 11 balls - never before in men's T20s has an opening batter won the match award despite playing that low a number of deliveries
Shreyas Iyer smashed 50 off 29 balls in successful chase of 210 against CSK to continue his rise in T20s since IPL 2024
After CSK's second successive loss in IPL 2026, Stephen Fleming looks back at the auction strategy, the players they have let go of, and where the team might be lagging behind
Mhatre and Sarfaraz led CSK to 209 but that total didn't prove enough to test PBKS' chase masters
CSK have left out Matthew Short