Chennai: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan reflected on his match-winning performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), admitting that the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch was far from easy for batting and required patience and composure.
Kishan played a crucial innings of 70 off 47 balls to guide SRH to a five-wicket victory in their IPL 2026 clash, successfully chasing down a target of 181 with an over to spare. The win not only marked a dominant performance in the high-profile “Southern Derby” but also secured SRH’s place in the playoffs.
Challenging pitch tested batting approach
Speaking after the match, Kishan emphasised that the Chepauk surface posed significant challenges, particularly against spinners and slower deliveries. He noted that the wicket made stroke-making difficult, forcing batters to rethink their usual aggressive strategies.
“When I was wicketkeeping, I felt the wicket was not easy at all. Especially when the spinners were bowling and the slower balls were working really well, it made chasing this total quite tricky,” Kishan said.
Despite the conditions, Kishan believed that his role as a top-order batter was to anchor the innings and take the game deep.
“As a number three batter, my job was to try and finish the game. It becomes difficult for new batters to rotate strike and hit boundaries at the end, so I had to stay there till the last over,” he explained.
Calm partnership with Klaasen proves decisive
A key moment in SRH’s chase was the 75-run partnership between Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. The duo stabilised the innings after an early setback and ensured that the required run rate remained under control.
Interestingly, Kishan revealed that there was minimal communication between the two during their partnership. Instead, both players relied on instinct and clarity in their approach.
“There was no real conversation between us. We were just playing our shots and focusing on when to attack,” he said.
Klaasen’s aggressive 47 off 26 balls complemented Kishan’s composed innings, creating the perfect balance needed to chase down the target.
Emotional motivation behind the innings
Beyond the cricketing aspect, Kishan’s performance carried deep emotional significance. He revealed that his cousin, who recently lost his sister, was present in the stands with family members for the first time.
The situation served as a powerful source of motivation for the young batter.
“Sometimes it’s about motivation. For me, my cousin was standing there. He lost his sister, and it was a tough time for our family. They were watching the match here for the first time,” Kishan shared.
“I just wanted to finish the game for them. I’m glad they were there to witness it, and I felt blessed from upstairs. I had that belief that I could do it for the team,” he added.
Clinical team performance seals playoff berth
SRH delivered a well-rounded performance to outplay CSK. After restricting the hosts to 180 for seven, the Hyderabad side executed a composed chase, adapting their strategy to suit the pitch conditions.
Captain Pat Cummins played a key role with the ball, picking up three wickets, while also guiding the team effectively during the chase. He later described the win as “satisfying” given the difficulty of the surface.
“It was a bit different from how we normally play. It was a tough wicket, but the way the guys chased it down was really gutsy,” Cummins said.
He also credited Kishan for his leadership during the match, noting that the batter contributed to captaincy responsibilities at certain stages.
SRH eye strong finish ahead of playoffs
With this victory, SRH have joined Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 playoffs. The team currently sits on 16 points from 13 matches and still has one league game remaining.
Cummins highlighted the importance of finishing in the top two, which offers a strategic advantage in the playoffs.
“We have one more game, and hopefully that gives us a chance to finish in the top two. But either way, we’re into the playoffs, and the real stuff starts now,” he said.
Confidence high in SRH camp
The overall mood in the SRH camp appears confident and positive, with players stepping up at crucial moments. Kishan’s performance, both emotionally and tactically, reflects the team’s growing maturity as they head into the knockout stages.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches its decisive phase, SRH will aim to build on this momentum and deliver consistent performances in their quest for the title.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)