Sunrisers Hyderabad wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan delivered a match-winning display in IPL 2026 as he smashed 70 off 47 balls and then sparked celebrations with the “whistle podu” routine, even teasing the Chennai crowd after securing qualification. SRH overhauled 181 to beat Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, finishing inside the Top 4 and booking a place in the playoffs.
Key takeaways
- Ishan Kishan’s 70 (off 47) powered SRH’s successful chase of 181 against Chennai.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad reached the IPL 2026 playoffs after winning Match 63 with six balls remaining.
- Pat Cummins took three wickets and Sakib Hussain claimed two as CSK posted 180/7 in 20 overs.
- Dewald Brevis led CSK’s batting with 44, while Heinrich Klaasen added 47 in the chase.
- CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said his side stayed in the hunt until the penultimate over despite missing key players.
CSK’s 180/7 sets up a chase
Batting first, Chennai Super Kings put runs on the board with a total of 180/7 in their 20 overs. Pat Cummins was the standout with three wickets, while Sakib Hussain chipped in with two to keep the pressure on during the innings. Dewald Brevis emerged as the top scorer for CSK, striking 44 to anchor the innings and help the home team reach a competitive score.
Kishan and Klaasen steer SRH to Top 4
In response, Ishan Kishan took charge of the chase and dominated the CSK bowling attack, building the momentum needed for SRH to chase down the target. Heinrich Klaasen also played an important role with a gritty 47, providing stability as SRH pressed forward. With the required rate under control, Sunrisers Hyderabad crossed the line comfortably to win by 5 wickets and confirm their position in the Top 4 for IPL 2026.
Celebrations, then Gaikwad reflects on the setback
After the win, Kishan first performed CSK’s “whistle podu” celebration and then playfully gestured towards the Chennai fans as he celebrated alongside his teammates. The moment added an extra edge to an already significant victory for SRH, especially given that the result effectively ended CSK’s playoff hopes.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, speaking after the match, acknowledged the disappointment of a five-wicket defeat that dimmed the franchise’s chances of reaching the playoffs. He felt CSK remained in contention for most of the chase and pointed to the quality of the T20 surface, noting that it didn’t change much throughout the game. Gaikwad also suggested that CSK “missed out on a few” key moments, adding that converting opportunities at critical stages could have swung the result.
Gaikwad further praised wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for his tournament performances and highlighted the backing CSK received from supporters in Chennai across the season. He said everyone gave their heart out on the day and expressed pride in the team’s effort, while also comparing this campaign to the previous year and stating that the side had been “very much better” in 2026.
(With PTI inputs)
