Punjab Kings continued their dominance in the IPL 2026 as they defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in the seventh match of the tournament. It was a high scoring thriller at the Chepauk with Chennai Super Kings batting first. The home side lost the wicket of Sanju Samson early but Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad put up an excellent partnership to put Chennai Super Kings in a commanding position. Punjab Kings struck back picking up wickets but Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube provided the finish as Chennai Super Kings went past the 210 mark at the end of the first innings. It was a par score and Punjab Kings batters went all guns blazing and cruised the chase home with two overs spare.
Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK Captain:
I felt it was a really good score, to be honest. Wicket was, yes, it was better for fast bowlers, but I felt it was slightly gripping for spinners, not coming on to the bat nicely. Slower balls was gripping as well. So I think, you know, for this ground, especially with, you know, big boundaries, I felt it was a really good score. (on Rahul as impact sub) Yes, we felt we had three seamers in going in, and obviously we have two good wristspinners bowling in tandem, especially in the middle after the powerplay. We felt that, you know, it will help. But I think, you know, slight off day for both of them, so I think that is what cost us. (on the bowling) Well, I think, you know, a mixture of both. Sometimes we executed really well. Sometimes we just didn't execute at the right time, I would say. Just when the over was going really well, we conceded that six or a boundary either way. So I think the pressure didn't really build. I think there was a point where it went to 11 an over and then maybe couple of good overs from there. It would have climbed to 12 and 13. That's how you gain momentum. So I think we just didn't got that momentum in the middle. It's definitely a tough one, but as I said, a lot of positives. You know, the batting came out really well. Ayush batted brilliantly. You know, to have him, have him that confidence going ahead in the season and definitely Shivam batted really well. So yeah, batting-wise, we had good confidence. You know, bowling, yes, definitely a lot to improve. (on his batting) I'm feeling good. You know, it is just about adapting to a role, whatever is needed for the team. Today I felt, you know, maybe just stick around a little bit since the wicket was gripping a little bit. So I thought, you know, the set batter Ayush was going really well. So I thought just hang in there a bit and then after that you can cash in. But unfortunately got out on the wrong time.”
Cooper Connolly: "Yeah, it's still pretty early in the season, so yeah, just trying to put my best foot forward and help the team get some wins. And yeah, we'll keep moving. It's a long tournament, so yeah, we're stoked to start two and 0, but yeah, there's still 12 games to go. (on his role) Yeah, I think it's capitalise, sort of on the backend of the powerplay if I come in. But yeah, and then just try and control the innings as much as possible and just sort of stick to the way I play the game and yeah, go from there. (on playing in different franchisees) Not particularly. I think it obviously helps with a few of the Aussie boys around me and welcoming quite comfortably. But yeah, I've played a little bit of cricket with Australia A and yeah, it's been sort of a good to be around the group and understand sort of how everyone goes about it and try pick everyone's brains. But yeah, there's still a long time to go and I'm looking forward to picking everyone's brains. Hopefully I'll have the ball in the hand pretty soon. But yeah, looking forward to sort of getting out there and showcasing the skills with the ball. But yeah, it's unfortunate that I haven't been able to bowl at the moment. But yeah, looking forward to sort of getting back on the park and bowling.”
Shreyas Iyer | PBKS Captain
Well, obviously, there's a worry before getting onto the field, but the way we started today, I think that was an exceptional start for us. Priyansh and Prab doing the job at the start and then setting the bench for us going inside. And I personally feel that the way they've been batting over years now, it's phenomenal to see them giving us that start and it stabilizes the rhythm for us. Yes, absolutely. I'm glad that everyone is getting to bat in the first two games itself. That gives immense confidence for the team as well. So that, you know, whenever we are stuck in a pressure situation, people are aware of how to handle it. (on what is the chat in the dressing room?) Well, it's not planned, honestly speaking, but we've just decided in the dressing room that whatever happens, we are going to play a brand of cricket which is to impress each other, not others outside. So, you know, that gives us a certain sort of clarity as well when we approach the game. And it is basically challenging each other inside the dressing room, not outside. (on Priyansh) Absolutely. I mean, getting 39 out of 11 balls, that's the start we require, especially when you're chasing 208. I think it was a belter to bat out. But the way we started, it was 25 off 3 overs and then suddenly they started picking up from there. But it is important that we remain calm and also the over rate is something that we should look up to right now. Because 5 fielders coming in the last 2 overs, you sort of know that there is only one line to bowl. So that's the only part we need to focus on at the moment. (on Chahal) Yes, I feel that we all know how good he is against spinners. And he had one more over left and there were many domestic players who are good players of spin. So I decided to go with the seamers at that point of time. And usually we know how impressive he is over the years. And he's probably one of the best bowlers in the IPL so far. So whenever I'm in doubt, I do that.
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Priyansh Arya | Player of the Match (translated from Hindi):
It has been like this since childhood, and whenever I feel that it will benefit the team, I play like that. There is a little bit of risk-taking involved. I have belief in myself that if I can hit the first ball, then I will hit it. There is a little bit because the experience is a bit there. So it feels a bit of a difference. But I believe in my abilities as much as I believe in myself. It gives a good result. No, sir, I do proper practice. I do two sessions of batting in a day. Each session lasts for one and a half hours. Because I like batting very much. (on coming from a family of teachers) Sir, my family background is proper. Teachers are there. Even my sister is a teacher. So I also think that I should also become a teacher. (what about now?) Now sir, there is no chance.
Punjab Kings have two wins in two matches and are dominating the tournament. It was an important game for them as they were playing away from home and they will be delighted with the two points. Chennai Super Kings have a lot to ponder about and now have gone two losses in two matches. CSK played just the two overseas players today and their combination going forward will be on focus and they will need to regroup and comeback stronger as they face RCB in their next game.
