Chennai: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins admitted his side is “not famous for responsible batting” but praised Ishan Kishan for delivering a composed, match-winning innings that guided the team into the IPL 2026 playoffs.

SRH secured a crucial five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, successfully chasing down a target of 181 in 19 overs. The win ensured Hyderabad’s qualification for the playoffs, joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in the knockout stage.

Cummins highlights adaptability on tough pitch

Speaking after the match, Cummins expressed satisfaction with how his team adapted to the challenging Chepauk conditions, which demanded a more measured approach than SRH’s usual aggressive style.

“Really satisfying. It’s a bit different from how we normally play. Very happy. That partnership was really tough, and we felt you needed one or two good stands to get through,” Cummins said.

The Australian skipper acknowledged that the pitch did not favour free-flowing stroke play, forcing batters to adjust their game plans.

“We are not famous for responsible batting. But when we were bowling, the ball was keeping low and not coming on. It felt like a par score, and they (CSK) know these conditions better,” he added.

Kishan anchors innings with maturity

The highlight of the chase was Ishan Kishan’s composed knock of 70 off 47 balls. Known for his aggressive stroke play, Kishan displayed restraint and maturity, anchoring the innings and ensuring SRH remained on track throughout the chase.

After the early dismissal of Travis Head, Kishan took control of the innings, first stabilising the chase with Abhishek Sharma before building a crucial partnership with Heinrich Klaasen.

Kishan’s ability to rotate the strike and pick boundaries at key moments helped SRH maintain momentum without taking unnecessary risks on a difficult surface.

Cummins was full of praise for the left-hander’s performance, crediting him for leading the chase under pressure.

“Ishan deserves all the credit for leading the side for the first half. Winning today was what mattered. You can’t give yourselves a better chance than what we have now,” Cummins said.

Crucial partnerships seal the win

A defining moment in the match was the 75-run partnership between Kishan and Klaasen for the third wicket. Klaasen contributed a valuable 47 off 26 balls, providing the necessary acceleration during the middle overs.

The duo balanced caution with aggression, ensuring that SRH stayed ahead of the required run rate despite the tricky pitch conditions.

Earlier, Cummins also made an impact with the ball, picking up three wickets for 28 runs to restrict CSK to 180. His disciplined bowling ensured that SRH had a realistic target to chase.

SRH’s balanced approach pays off

The victory highlighted SRH’s ability to adapt their playing style according to match conditions — a quality that could prove crucial in the playoffs.

While the team has often relied on aggressive batting throughout the season, this match demonstrated their capability to play calculated cricket when required.

Cummins emphasised that flexibility would be key as the tournament progresses into its knockout phase.

“There are still a few areas we can improve, but overall, we are happy with how things are shaping up,” he said.

Playoff qualification boosts confidence

With 16 points from 13 matches, SRH are currently placed third on the points table and have one league match remaining. Their qualification marks a strong turnaround and reinforces their credentials as serious title contenders.

The team will next face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 22 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The match could play a crucial role in determining final standings and playoff match-ups.

Focus shifts to knockout stage

As SRH prepare for the playoffs, the team will look to build on this momentum and fine-tune their strategies. Performances like Kishan’s under pressure will be vital in high-stakes matches.

The Chepauk victory not only secured qualification but also showcased the team’s depth and resilience — qualities that are essential for success in the business end of the tournament.

With players stepping up at the right time and leadership providing clarity, SRH appear well-equipped to challenge for the IPL 2026 title.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka  staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)