R Ashwin has hailed Urvil Patel’s dazzling innings against Lucknow Super Giants as the defining knock of IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings, crediting it with unlocking CSK’s chase of 204 and helping them stay firmly in the hunt for a late playoff spot. Patel struck 65 off just 23 balls, smashing two fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 282.61, as CSK finished on 208/5 in 19.2 overs after a tense target of 204.
The knock also snapped a long-standing problem for CSK in run chases. Since IPL 2019, the franchise had not managed to chase down a target of 180-plus, but the LSG game changed that narrative in emphatic fashion.
Urvil’s knock and Ashwin’s verdict
Patel’s innings included a remarkable 13-ball half-century, which became the joint-fastest fifty in IPL history. He matched the record previously set by Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin called the innings “the most important” of CSK’s IPL 2026 campaign so far. He said, “Urvil Patel—this was the most important innings of this IPL 2026 campaign. It’s because CSK haven’t chased 180 in the last seven years. With his knock, they got the chase done easily. They’ve chased 180 only two times since 2019, including 204 versus LSG.”
Ashwin also praised the intent behind the batting. “The way he batted, he didn’t even think for a minute whether he should take a single. I thought he would break the record, and he should have stuck to it. If we get powerplay like that, who knows—it can be six wins in a row,” he added.
However, Ashwin’s praise came with a tactical note. He urged CSK to consider promoting Patel higher in the batting order. “If someone plays in that fashion, they would win the match in the power play. Ruturaj Gaikwad can change his tempo and play. What Kartik Sharma is doing, he can do. Why not? Promote Urvil at the top. Why keep him down the order? He can finish the match in the powerplay,” Ashwin said.
LSG’s innings: Inglis sets a platform, Shahbaz steadies
On Sunday, Josh Inglis provided LSG with a strong start, blasting 85 off 33 balls. His knock featured 10 fours and six maximums, but once he departed the batting order lost momentum and wickets followed. LSG only crossed the 200-run mark after Shahbaz Ahmed entered the fray and took charge.
Shahbaz remained unbeaten on 43 off 25 deliveries, guiding the late push that carried LSG to a defendable total of 204. For CSK, Jamie Overton was the standout with three wickets.
CSK chase: early momentum, then the partnership that mattered
- Chasing 204, CSK began positively through their openers, with Sanju Samson contributing 28 off 14 balls and Ruturaj Gaikwad striking 42 off 28 deliveries.
- Gaikwad and Urvil Patel then built a key partnership that ensured the chase stayed on track and prevented LSG from regrouping.
- For LSG, Shahbaz Ahmed and Digvesh Rathi were responsible for two-wicket hauls as the innings moved into the closing stages.
- CSK ultimately reached 208/5 in 19.2 overs, completing the chase with Patel’s explosive 65 as the turning point.
