HIGHLIGHTS Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Match 7 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for the second essay. Ruturaj Gaikwad leads his troops out onto the park. CSK bring in the leggie Rahul Chahar as their Impact Sub, replacing Kartik Sharma. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh to open the innings for the Punjab Kings. Khaleel Ahmed will start with the new ball for the home side. Arya scored a century last season against CSK. He is all set to face the first ball. Let's go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Slower balls not gripping the surface - That's the assessment from Vijaykumar Vyshak of this track. Rather than holding, the slower deliveries have been sliding onto the bat. What stood out was that Yuzvendra Chahal managed to extract turn when he bowled it slower through the air. Abhinav Mukund mentions on air that there is no sign of dew as of now, though whether it arrives later in the second innings remains to be seen. All set up for an intriguing chase.

Vijaykumar Vyshak collects the Purple Cap - On the nature of the pitch, Vyshak says it isn’t easy but presents a good challenge, adding that as long as one enjoys it, it remains a good wicket. Mentions that the slower deliveries are coming on nicely and overall, it’s a decent surface. Feels they have conceded about 10 runs more, but is confident that with their batting line-up, they should be able to chase it down. On his own bowling, he says he felt good, having hit the right areas early on before mixing things up towards the end. Reflecting on the batting, he notes that despite losing a few wickets in the middle in the previous game, the side looks in good touch and hopes they can get the runs comfortably this time. Adds that he would like to continue his current form.

Ayush Mhatre shines on the night - The Powerplay has been a concern for CSK in the recent past, and for the second game in a row, they lost Sanju Samson early. However, Ayush Mhatre ensured that phase didn't go to waste. His fluency meant Ruturaj Gaikwad could play the support role. Mhatre capitalised on two reprieves to score a 43-ball 73. CSK stumbled from 110/1 to 130/4, which threatened to derail their innings, but Sarfaraz came through with his cheeky batting. Although Shivam Dube was sluggish at the start, he flipped the switch at the right time to set up the finish.

CSK finish on a high - 64 runs off the last 5 overs have allowed the Super Kings to end up with a solid total. First, Sarfaraz Khan and then Shivam Dube played impactful cameos, ensuring CSK maximised the back end of the innings. Punjab Kings couldn't quite get their death overs right and now have a challenging chase ahead of them.

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Finishes with a flourish, does Shivam Dube! Arshdeep keeps the line of attack outside off, on a fuller length. Dube brings his bottom hand to play by getting under the ball and pumps it over the bowler for a boundary. It is struck with such brute force that long on stands no chance to cut that off to his right. CSK FINISH AT 209/5!

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Lucky runs for Dube and CSK! Singh slips a wide full toss, outside off, Dube tries to slap it past covers, but only manages an inside edge, just past the off stump and it squirrels behind to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, Two dots in a row! Very full at 133.9 kph, outside off, Dube attempts to carve it through the point gap, but finds the fielder.

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, Good comeback by Arshdeep! Full and wide outside the off stump, at 134.5 kph. Just inside the wide guideline. Dube swings hard without moving his feet. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Connects just well enough. Arshdeep fires a full one, outside off. Dube picks it up and over mid-wicket, but hits it off the inner half. However, he has enough power on the shot to find the fence, beating long on to his left. 200 UP FOR THE SUPER KINGS!

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, Wide! PBKS have challenged the wide call. Arshdeep Singh looks to keep it away from Dube's hitting arc. Sprays it beyond the tramline, on a good length. Dube lets it pass. The replays show that even though Shivam had walked across the stumps, the ball was still outside the revised guideline. The on-field call of wide is upheld.

Arshdeep Singh to Prashant Veer, Singh shoots in a short ball, keeping the line of attack on the bodyline. He gets a good lift as well which beats Veer on his attempted pull shot. Dube, though, is quick to get off the blocks and calls Prashant to cross over. Veer responds as Prabhsimran Singh collects the ball but misses the throw to the batting end, which allows them to cross easily.

Arshdeep Singh to close out the innings. Remember, the Punjab Kings are allowed only 4 fielders outside the inner circle due to the slow over rate penalty. Point, square leg, mid-wicket and mid on are the 4 men back on the boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, Fair delivery! Bartlett tries to keep it away from Dube's arc, and goes for another wide yorker. Dube walks a bit across the stumps before deciding to leave. The umpire signals a wide, but Xavier Bartlett has gone upstairs to challenge the decision. Has Dube walked a bit too much across in the crease? The replay comes up with a revised guideline. It shows that the ball is marginally inside the new guideline. So, it is deemed a fair delivery. Excellent review by the Aussie quick, which keeps Dube off strike at the start of the final over. 4-0-48-1 for Xavier Bartlett tonight.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, WIDE! Miles outside off, crossing the tramline. Dube lets it be. Wide given.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Excellent field manipulation by Dube! A bit too full and on leg. Shivam Dube stays put, uses his wrists and flicks it all along the ground, behind backward square leg for a boundary.

Halt! Prashant Veer is undergoing the concussion check.

Xavier Bartlett to Prashant Veer, Ouch, that was a hostile delivery by Bartlett! A well-directed short ball that jags back into the batter sharply. Prashant Veer has very little time to react. Tries to pull it to the leg side, but the ball kicks up a bit, clips the gloves and hits the helmet before rolling to the short third fielder for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, Bowls to the field, does Bartlett, with 6 fielders on the off side and 3 on the leg side. He bangs it short and slow, outside off. Shivam stands tall and clubs it aerially to deep cover for just a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, Keeps it wide outside off, a low full toss, Dube carves it past point and scampers back for two.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Up and over! Bartlett serves it full and wide on off. Dube gets under it, holds his shape nicely and lofts it inside out over the extra cover fielder for a boundary.

Punjab Kings have been penalised for a slow over rate. They will be allowed only 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the remaining two overs. Punjab Kings bring in Priyansh Arya as their Impact Sub. He will have a job to do later with the bat. Yuzvendra Chahal has been subbed out. Xavier Bartlett to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-35-1 so far for the Aussie.

Yuzvendra Chahal is substituted by Priyansh Arya

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Slower into the pitch and outside off. Dube knocks it to deep extra cover for a single. Jansen is done with his spell, with figures reading 4-0-43-1.

Marco Jansen to Prashant Veer, Follows the batter who shuffles outside leg and bowls it right in the blockhole on the leg stump. Prashant is cramped for room and can only drill it down to long on for a single.

Marco Jansen to Prashant Veer, What has happened here? Punjab Kings have taken a review for LBW. They are taking a chance more than any real conviction. From around the wicket, full and landing around the leg stump. Veer walks across for the scoop but fails to lay any bat on it, and the ball drops at his feet after striking the pads. Jansen gets to the ball and cuts down the possibility of a single. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball has landed outside the line of the leg stump. PBKS burn a review.

Marco Jansen to Prashant Veer, FOUR! Veer with a bit of innovation to get his first runs in the IPL! Good length by Jansen, around off, from around the stump. Prashant Veer gets across the off stump and executes the scoop wide of short fine leg for a boundary. In fact, the replay shows that he hit it between the keeper and Chahal at short fine leg.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Short and across the left-hander, at 127.7 kph. Shivam Dube stands tall and slaps it with a flat bat, to the left of long off for a single.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, SIX! And away she goes! A juicy half volley on the leg stump, Shivam Dube gets his front leg out of the way to create room and smokes a 91-meter six behind deep mid-wicket.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, WIDE! Far, far across the batter, and beyond the guideline, short in length. Dube ignores. Umpire signals for a wide.

Marco Jansen (3-0-29-1) will bowl out now.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Prashant Veer, A sharp short ball that climbs through the deck, just outside off. Veer hops, attempts to dab it fine to the off side, but is late on the shot.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Prashant Veer, Snorter! From around the stump, this is slammed very hard onto the pitch, on off with a good zip on it. Prashant drops his wrists in time and lets it fly behind.

A wonderful cameo from Sarfaraz Khan. Prashant Veer comes out to bat on his IPL debut.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Sarfaraz Khan, OUT! Straight up the chimney and gone! Back of a length just outside off, Sarfaraz, mindful of the field change, looks to muscle it down the ground. He doesn’t quite get the connection he’s after, managing only height without the distance toward mid on. Wadhera backtracks from mid on and takes a well-judged catch. An entertaining knock from Sarfaraz Khan comes to an end. CSK are 168/5.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Sarfaraz Khan, FOUR! He has played that so fine! Vyshak bangs it on a hard length, just around off. Sarfaraz Khan lets the ball come to him and plays it very late. Uses the pace, and guides it uppishly between the keeper and Chahal at short third for a boundary. He moves to 32 (11).

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Sarfaraz Khan, FOUR! Off the top edge! Slightly on a back of a length, outside off. Sarfaraz Khan gets a bit across and tries to whip it over square leg, but gets a thick top edge. The ball flies over Prabhsimran Singh and bounces away towards the ropes.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Sarfaraz Khan, FOUR! That's nonchalantly played! Vyshak fires one outside off, and this is very full in length. Sarfaraz Khan just drops his bat down, opens the face at the point of contact and gets it wide of the short third fielder, to his right, for a boundary. Shreyas Iyer is not happy with his bowler. And rightly so. The field square on the off side is up inside the circle, and bowling wide outside off is asking for trouble.

Vijaykumar Vyshak returns to the attack for his final over. 3-0-26-1 so far for Vyshak. Punjab Kings have been given a warning for not starting the over on time, informs Harsha Bhogle (on air).

Xavier Bartlett to Sarfaraz Khan, Fires in a full toss on middle, Sarfaraz whips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Sarfaraz Khan, SIX! Proactive batting! Bartlett goes pace off, on a length, on leg. Sarfaraz Khan comes charging down the track and heaves it over the deep backward square leg fielder for a six. 150 UP FOR THE SUPER KINGS!

Xavier Bartlett to Sarfaraz Khan, WIDE! Spotting Khan advancing down the track, Bartlett fires one beyond the tramline, outside off, trying to keep it away from the hitting arc. Khan leaves. Wide called.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, Nails the wide yorker, at 132.9 kph, Dube drills it down to long off for a single. So far, so good by the Aussie. Just 3 off the first four balls.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, Short and slow, outside off, Dube gets on the toes and taps it behind backward point for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, Pushes it wide and full, outside off. Dube extends his arms and tries to carve it past covers, but misses to connect as the ball sneaks past the inside edge.

Xavier Bartlett to Shivam Dube, Speared full and on middle, Dube flicks it right between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, This is banged in short, over middle. Shivam pulls it through square leg for another single. 15 runs off the over!

Arshdeep Singh to Sarfaraz Khan, Low full toss, outside off. This is sliced to deep point for one.

Arshdeep Singh to Sarfaraz Khan, FOUR! Skilful shot! A hat-trick of boundaries for Sarfaraz Khan. In and around the off pole, on a hard length. Sarfaraz hangs back and meets the ball right under his eyes. He opens the bat face, and the ball takes a bit of glove on the way before racing past short third.

Arshdeep Singh to Sarfaraz Khan, FOUR! Smart batting! Arshdeep switches to around the wicket and bowls the bumper, over middle. Sarfaraz arches back and gets under the ball to play the upper cut over the keeper for four more.

Arshdeep Singh to Sarfaraz Khan, FOUR! Good use of the feet! Pushed across the right-hander, on a good length. Sarfaraz Khan jumps out of the crease and plays it on the up nicely. Lofts it over the man at mid off for a boundary.

Arshdeep Singh to Shivam Dube, Arshdeep bangs it in short, over the left shoulder. Shivam swivels and goes for the pull but takes his eyes off the ball as he plays the shot. It goes behind square leg for a single.

With just 20/3 in the last 3 overs, this has been an excellent phase for PBKS. The run rate has dipped for CSK as they search for momentum. Arshdeep Singh (2-0-13-0) returns and replaces Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Marco Jansen to Sarfaraz Khan, Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Sarfaraz covers the line and stabs it down on the deck.

Marco Jansen to Sarfaraz Khan, Keeps it nice and full, attacking the front pad. Sarfaraz Khan brings his bat out in front and pushes it to mid-wicket.

110/1 becomes 130/4 for the Super Kings. And like the previous game, the Punjab Kings have made a roaring comeback in this middle phase. Sarfaraz Khan now walks out to the crease at number 6.

Marco Jansen to Kartik Sharma, OUT! LBW! Punjab Kings get the review right. A short stay for Kartik Sharma. From around the wicket, on a length and on middle. Kartik collapses his back knee and has a swipe across the line. The ball goes under the bat to catch Sharma on the knee roll of the front pad. That looks straight, but the umpire shakes his head. Marco Jansen is pretty confident, and Shreyas Iyer takes the review. No bat involved. The Ball Tracking comes up as three reds with the ball crashing into the leg stump.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Off-pace delivery, full and on leg. Dube works it off the pads to deep square leg for one.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Nails the yorker, right at the toes. Shivam gets the front leg out of the way and jams it out in the vacant mid-wicket region. By the time the fielder in the deep can get to the ball, Dube comes back for the second run.

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Begins from around the wicket and starts with a full ball, on middle. Dube flicks it neatly through mid-wicket. Xavier Bartlett runs around to his right and mops it up. He relays it towards the converging long-on fielder. Two runs taken.

STRATEGIC BREAK​​​​​​! A small comeback by the Punjab Kings in the last two overs. 15/2 in that phase. Wickets of Gaikwad first and then Mhatre in the previous one. They will now look to slow things down with two new batters at the crease. Even better, keep picking wickets. With a strong base formed for a big finish and wickets in hand, Dube, who is the senior man of the two batters, might as well try to keep the scoring rate high by picking his moments. CSK would be disappointed if they don't finish above 200 with the way they have gone about so far. Marco Jansen (2-0-24-0) is brought back on, replacing Yuzvendra Chahal.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Shivam Dube, On a hard length, on middle. Dube wrists it in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Kartik Sharma, Sharma goes deep in the crease and guides it through third man for a single.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Kartik Sharma, Half a shout for caught behind! Not given by the umpire. Kartik Sharma looks perplexed. He feels that it should be a wide and takes the review. Angled in on leg, on a short of a length. Sharma looks to help it away but misses. The UltraEdge shows a slight scratch when the ball goes past his trousers. A review lost by CSK as it is deemed a fair delivery.

End of a top knock by Ayush Mhatre. He walks off to a standing ovation from his teammates. Kartik Sharma is the new batter.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, OUT! TAKEN! Huge moment in the game as two set batters are dismissed in successive overs. And after being dropped twice, Mhatre runs out of luck. Very full and wide by Vyshak, Ayush Mhatre yet again jams the bat down and looks to squeeze it through the backward point and the short third gap, but this time around, he fails to hit it along the ground and airs it to Yuzvendra Chahal at short third. Chahal takes it comfortably over his head. Mhatre looks at the heavens in utter disappointment. Vyshak is over the moon. CSK, from 110/1, are 123/3 now.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Through the gap! At 132 kph, this is overpitched wide outside off. Ayush uses the pace and carves it to the left of the diving backward point fielder for a boundary.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Shivam Dube, Hard length, on middle, angling in. Shivam plays off the back foot and steers it to deep square leg for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Shivam Dube, Full and at the sticks, Dube knocks it to long on for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Shivam Dube, Wide! Down leg, Dube lets it pass. Already an 8-ball over.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, NO BALL! A cardinal sin for a spinner to overstep. Full and on off, Mhatre reaches out in front and eases it to wide long off for one. Free Hit coming up.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Shivam Dube, Two wides! Fired down leg, full in length. Dube lets it go. A half-stop by Prabhsimran Singh and the ball goes away off the gloves. The batters cross for one.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Shivam Dube, Dube sweeps this away but finds the short fine leg fielder in the way.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, DROPPED! Ayush Mhatre is living a charmed life. The second catch that has been dropped off the bowling of Chahal, and both have been of Mhatre. Nicely tossed up by Chahal, fuller and on off. Mhatre jumps out of the crease and takes the risk of going against the turn. It is skewed over extra cover. Shashank Singh runs in off the ropes and slides. He is on the move when the ball hits his palm, and he fails to cling on. Single taken.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, Well, well! This is slowed down by Chahal, landing around middle and leg, on a good length. Mhatre is squared up on the back foot by the spin, but manages to keep it out.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Shivam Dube, Floated up, on off. Dube pushes it down to long off and opens his account with a single.

Who else but Chahal? He breaks the 96-run partnership for the second wicket. Shivam Dube, the spin basher, as they call him, walks in at number 4.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ruturaj Gaikwad, OUT! CAUGHT! An innocuous delivery, but Yuzvendra Chahal will take it. Sprayed on the pads, slightly on the shorter side, and this skids through. Gaikwad gets down on a knee and swings away on the leg side. He fails to beat the fielder at deep backward square leg. It goes flat towards the man in the deep. Nehal Wadhera moves to his right and snaffles it with ease. The Super Kings are 110/2.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, Vijaykumar Vyshak sticks to the wide line, full in length. Mhatre premeditates as he walks across for the scoop. On seeing the line of the ball, he shapes up to angle the bat face and steer it past short third but misses. Mhatre has a look at the umpire, but since he had moved across the stumps, the umpire does not call it a wide.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Clever batting! Vijaykumar Vyshak gets in the wide yorker, near the tramline. Mhatre reaches out and takes the ball on the full. He opens the bat face to glide it behind point. The man in the deep is a bit square and he is beaten to his left. This is the first four for CSK since the sixth over, but they have hit four 6s during that period.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On top of off, Gaikwad plays it on the up to long on. They cross.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Keeps it full, just outside the off stump. Ruturaj Gaikwad brings his bottom hand into play and he whips it to the right of long on for a couple of runs.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, Very full, outside off. Mhatre digs it beside the strip on the off side and crosses over.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On a good length, on off. Gaikwad dabs it to the left of point and gets to the other end.

Vijaykumar Vyshak (1-0-10-0) is back. An opportunity for Vyshak to redeem himself after dropping Ayush Mhatre in the previous over.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Floated fuller and around off, Gaikwad presses in front and eases it down to long on for a single. At the halfway mark, the Super Kings are 101/1.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ruturaj Gaikwad, A slider on the pads at 91.1 kph, Gaikwad clips it neatly into the gap between long on and deep mid-wicket, picking up a couple of runs. 100 UP FOR CSK!

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, At just 71.3 kph now, full and on middle. Ayush Mhatre loses his shape while trying to slog it over mid-wicket and inside edges it past the leg stump, for a single to the right of short fine leg.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, Pushed through, full and wide on off. Mhatre reaches out and lofts this over cover. Shashank Singh almost overruns the ball in the deep but manages to make the stop eventually. Two runs taken.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Vijaykumar Vyshak is the guilty party at short fine leg. A big, big opportunity gone begging. Flighted delivery on the stumps, drifting in and around the pads. Mhatre goes early into the sweep and gets a top edge behind him. Vyshak from short fine leg charges in and dives full-length, getting fingertips to it but failing to hold on.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Gets a bit of an in-drift on the leg stump, too full. Gaikwad flicks it to the right of long on for a single.

A slight hold-up in play as Ayush Mhatre is changing his shoes. Mhatre is ready to resume.

Marcus Stoinis to Ayush Mhatre, Well-directed bouncer, over the off pole. Ayush Mhatre looks to pull, but the ball keeps rising and beats him.

Marcus Stoinis to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slightly short, outside off, Gaikwad drags it to long on for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Two is the call and they will get it! Mhatre had to hurry a bit, though in the end. Back of a length, angled at the leg stump. Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it with soft hands, tucking it into the empty mid-wicket region for a couple of runs. The bowler himself rushes across and slides before throwing the ball to the bowling end, but doesn't get enough power on the throw, which allows Mhatre to slide his bat in.

Marcus Stoinis to Ayush Mhatre, Low full toss, outside off, Mhatre lofts it over the vacant mid on region for one run.

Marcus Stoinis to Ayush Mhatre, WIDE! Breaches the tramline, far outside off, on a length. Mhatre leaves. Wided.

Marcus Stoinis to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Goes the distance once more! A hit-me ball once again, outside off. Mhatre pumps it over long off for one more six. That's his fifth of the evening.

Marcus Stoinis to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! FIFTY FOR AYUSH MHATRE! He gets there off just 29 balls. His knock so far includes four boundaries and four sixes. A slower one by Stoinis to start with, on off and in the slot. Ayush Mhatre waits for the ball to arrive and smacks it downtown for a six to get to his milestone. Chepauk absolutely loves this as they admire this impactful knock from a youngster from Virar, Maharashtra.

Bowler number six for the Punjab Kings. Marcus Stoinis replaces Marco Jansen now.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, Make that six singles off the over! Touch short, on off and middle. Ayush Mhatre cuts it off the back foot to deep backward point and jogs an easy single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Too full, outside off, quicker this time. Gaikwad drives along the ground to long off for one more run. 5 singles off the over in as many balls.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, Provides more air on this one, full and outside off, at just 73.5 kph. Ayush Mhatre drives it to deep extra cover for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Slows it up a bit, and pulls the length back, on leg. Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs back and drags it to a widish long on for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ayush Mhatre, Pitched on middle, on a fuller length, Ayush Mhatre uses his bottom hand to drill it down to long on for a run.

Yuzvendra Chahal to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Floats it up there, full and on leg. Gaikwad sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

First look at spin as Yuzvendra Chahal comes on.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, Slower yorker on off, Ayush Mhatre laces it to the extra cover region. 14 runs from the over.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! This is brilliant batting from the youngster. Half volley from Jansen this time around, with a little bit of pace taken off. Ayush Mhatre clears the front leg and gets under the ball nicely before sailing it into the stands behind deep mid-wicket. His third six of the night so far.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, Pushed into the batter and bashed on a hard length. Mhatre tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, From around the stumps now. This is pitched full, angling in and around middle. Ayush leans on and drives it behind cover for a couple of runs.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, Big swing and a miss! Nips away from a fractionally fuller length, outside off. Ayush throws the kitchen sink at it, only to miss.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Short ball by Jansen, at shoulder height, on leg. Ayush Mhatre creates a stable base before pulling it behind deep square leg for a six. Mhatre marches on.

STRATEGIC BREAK! The Punjab Kings take the timeout at the first opportunity in an attempt to regroup. The early swing on offer in the first couple of overs has faded. Spin is yet to be introduced, but that shouldn't be far away now. The ball has come on nicely to the bat, and after losing Sanju Samson early, Ayush Mhatre has stepped up for the home side to deliver the desired start. No spin just yet as Marco Jansen will resume the proceedings after the break.

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Mhatre, Excellent bowling! Arshdeep tries the yorker, but ends up as a low full toss, on middle. Mhatre drags it in front of mid on for a quick run. That ends the Powerplay with 57/1 on the board for CSK.

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Mhatre, Almost a yorker, outside off, Mhatre tries to squeeze it through the off side, but inside-edges it to the right of the bowler.

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Angled across on a hard length, at 135.1 kph. Ruturaj Gaikwad scythes it along the ground to deep point for a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Mhatre, Into the blockhole, on off, with a little bit of tail back in. Mhatre takes it on the full and drills it to the right of mid off for a quick single.

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! PUNISHED! Full from Singh, around off. Mhatre clears the front leg, and pumps it down the ground, to the left of mid off for a boundary. He moves to 27 off just 16 balls.

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Mhatre, WIDE! Down the leg side, on a hard length, Mhatre misses to pull. Wide called. 50 UP FOR CSK!

Arshdeep Singh to Ayush Mhatre, Full and on leg, Ayush heaves off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Five overs in and CSK are going at almost 10s an over. Given their struggles in the Powerplay, this has been a good start. Arshdeep Singh is back on.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, On a shortish length, on middle. Mhatre pulls it square on the leg side for a run.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, A big swing and a miss! On a length, outside off. Ayush Mhatre swings for the hills but does not connect.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, Not as short as the previous ball but still short enough, on middle and leg. Mhatre loses his shape as he swings across the line. Hits it to the left of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Clean hit! Vijaykumar Vyshak brings out the slower one and bashes the surface, on middle and leg. Mhatre takes it on as he presents a horizontal bat and thumps it off the front foot over wide long on for a biggie.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ayush Mhatre, Angled into the pads, on a good length. Mhatre is beaten on the flick and wears it on the pads.

Vijaykumar Vyshak to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Fractionally short, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes deep in the crease and guides it through point for a single.

That was a hugely profitable over for the Super Kings. Mhatre with a jailbreak as 15 runs came in Bartlett's second. Vijaykumar Vyshak is brought into the attack, replacing Marco Jansen.

Xavier Bartlett to Ayush Mhatre, Back to bowling it full, on off. Mhatre pushes at it with hard hands. The ball squirts off an outside edge to backward point. 15 runs off the over!

Xavier Bartlett to Ayush Mhatre, Keeps it on a back of a length, on off. Mhatre presses back and flat bats it down the ground. Arshdeep Singh sprints to his left at long on and dives to prevent the boundary. A bit of a clumsy effort from Singh and Ayush comes back for the second run.

Xavier Bartlett to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! The length changes, but the result is the same. Leg-cutter, into the wicket, over middle. Mhatre is hanging on the back foot, and he swivels to pull it behind square leg for a boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR MORE! Nicely done! Too straight, sliding onto the pads and Xavier Bartlett serves it too full as well. Mhatre stays balanced at the crease and uses his wrists to flick it over mid-wicket for another boundary.

Xavier Bartlett to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Not from the middle but it does the job for Mhatre. Full and around the off stump, Ayush clears the front leg and goes hard at it. The bat turns in his hands and he smears it off the inner half over wide mid on for a four.

Xavier Bartlett to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Lands it on a good length, on middle. Gaikwad turns it behind square leg and takes a single.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, Very full, in line with the off stump. Ayush sets up deep in the crease. He looks to go down the ground but does not get the desired leverage. Ends up smacking it on the bounce to mid off.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, Across off, on a back of a length, Mhatre is early into the shot and mistimes the punch to cover.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, FIVE WIDES! Wayward from Jansen. He looks to go full in search of swing but starts too straight. It swings further down leg. Mhatre misses out on the tickle. Prabhsimran Singh dives to his left but can only get a hand on it.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, Pace off now, fuller on middle, Mhatre is slightly early into the drive and bunts it back to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Ayush Mhatre, On a good length, shaping back in, on middle. Mhatre taps it down the strip.

Marco Jansen to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Around leg, on a good length. Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it in front of mid-wicket and crosses over.

Marco Jansen to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! No need to run for that. Jansen offers width, on the shorter side. Gaikwad cashes in on the width and slams it wide of cover for a boundary.

Beautiful swing bowling by Bartlett. For Sanju, though, the start in new colors hasn't been that great so far. Ayush Mhatre walks in at number 3. Oh, hang on! His bat doesn't pass the gauge test. Gurjapneet Singh, the reserve player, brings another one and that's not going through either. Oh dear! That's a bit of an error from the umpire's side as he was holding the gauge upside down. Now, it passes the test easily. Smiles all around. Bowler number 3 for PBKS in the third over. Here's Marco Jansen into the attack, replacing Arshdeep Singh.

Xavier Bartlett to Sanju Samson, OUT! CAUGHT! Just a couple of balls earlier, Ian Bishop mentioned that Bartlett would be better off tightening his line against Samson and right on cue, the Australian reaps the rewards by doing exactly that. Samson shows his cards early as he backs away from the stumps towards the leg side. Xavier Bartlett spots that and bowls it on top of middle. Sanju looks to push it away on the off side with no footwork, and the ball nips away off the seam to catch the outside edge and the keeper, Prabhsimran Singh does the rest. The Super Kings are 14/1 after 2 overs.

Xavier Bartlett to Sanju Samson, FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! Not a bad ball by any means, on top of off. Stand and deliver stuff from Sanju. He plays it on the up through the gap between cover and mid off for a four.

Xavier Bartlett to Sanju Samson, A play and a miss! On a good length, shaping away, Samson does not move his feet at all and pushes away from the body, only to be beaten on the outside edge.

Xavier Bartlett to Ruturaj Gaikwad, Good away shape, full and outside off. Gaikwad taps it off the front foot in front of point and takes a quick single.

Xavier Bartlett to Ruturaj Gaikwad, The length is pulled back but he still gets the ball to move away. This is in the channel. Ruturaj goes searching for the ball with his hands. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Xavier Bartlett to Ruturaj Gaikwad, FOUR! Lovely stroke! A full ball at 132.3 kph, curving away in the air. Ruturaj Gaikwad leans into the drive and goes with the swing of the ball. Just eases it through covers to pick up his first boundary of the night.

Pretty good first over by Arshdeep. Got the ball to swing into the batters a bit. Xavier Bartlett will operate from the opposite end.

Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, A hint of swing back into the right-hander, on a good length, on middle. Sanju nudges it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, Beaten! Closer to the off stump, on a nagging length, the ball holds its line. No foot movement from Samson. A tentative prod by Sanju and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, This is pushed across the right-hander, on a length. Ruturaj Gaikwad leans forward and dabs it behind point. The CSK skipper is off the mark with a single.

Arshdeep Singh to Ruturaj Gaikwad, On the fuller side, moving back in, on middle. Gaikwad wrists it to mid-wicket.

Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, Samson is away! A little too straight from Singh. Swings back in at the hips, on a short length. Samson hangs back and turns it through square leg. Shashank Singh gets around from deep fine leg and puts in a dive to push the ball away from the fence, saving a run for his side. Sanju opens his account with three runs.

Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, Arshdeep pitches it up and gets a hint of an inward shape, on middle and leg. Samson walks down the track to negate the swing. He goes for the drive but miscues it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Arshdeep Singh to Sanju Samson, Wide! Down leg first up by Arshdeep, and CSK are on the board with this extra. Singh bowls it on a back of a length. Sanju misses out on the glance. The ball just about carries to the keeper, Prabhsimran Singh.

It's absolutely deafening out there in Chepauk as the two umpires make their way out. It's the yellow territory with whistles echoing all round the stands, with an odd sprinkling of red here and there. Shreyas Iyer leads his men out to the middle as the Punjab Kings players spread and take their respective field positions. For the Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson walk to the crease as the two openers. Arshdeep Singh will bowl the first over, with Samson taking the strike. Jansen is at first slip. Interesting battle first up. Here we go!

How rare is this? Just two overseas players in the CSK starting XI in the form of Matt Henry and Noor Ahmad. But if their batting falls short, they have the flexibility to turn to Matthew Short or Jamie Overton, with Short offering an added spin option through his off breaks if the surface assists. If things go well with the bat, expect them to go with either the leggie Rahul Chahar or the left-arm pace of Gurjapneet Singh.

Expects the wicket to stay the same - The skipper of the Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad feels the surface is a bit on the drier side and doesn't expect it to change much. Believes that dew shouldn't be a major factor this early in April and, therefore, batting first is not a bad option. Reflecting on the last game in Guwahati, Gaikwad acknowledges the tough conditions and wants to treat it as a one-off. Mentions that the focus is firmly on this game. The CSK captain says that a strong top order remains key to their success as a franchise and their title-winning seasons have often been built on solid opening partnerships, and that is the thinking behind him opening with Sanju Samson. Gaikwad informs that they have made one change with Prashant Veer coming in for Matthew Short.

We want to make first use of the fresh surface - The captain of the Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer says since it is a fresh wicket, bowling first is a good option. About the condition of his hand, Shreyas informs that it is fresh, and then, after a slight pause, he says he likes to be positive, as talking negatively affects his game. Adds that the team draws immense confidence from the strength of their line-up, while also underlining that the opposition is a quality side that has performed consistently over the years. Stresses that they are focused on playing to the best of their abilities. On his batting approach, he says he likes to take on the bowlers when the chips are down and doesn’t want them to dictate terms, adding that he will carry a similar mindset into this game as well. Informs that they are going in with an unchanged XI.

Impact sub options for PBKS - Priyansh Arya, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Praveen Dubey and Harpreet Brar.

Punjab Kings (Unchanged Playing XI) - Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact sub options for CSK - Jamie Overton, Rahul Chahar, Matthew Short, Ramakrishna Ghosh and Gurjapneet Singh.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer (In for Matthew Short), Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed.

TOSS - Time for the coin to go up in Chennai. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer have made their way out to the centre. The flip of the coin lands in favour of Iyer. Punjab Kings elect to BOWL first.

From one young sensation to another - Cooper Connolly admits that his debut still hasn't quite sunk in, describing the experience as a bit surreal. Adds that there were plenty of nerves heading into the game, but once he stepped onto the field, his focus shifted purely to the contest. Cooper believes the reality of the moment will only set in over the next couple of weeks, and he aims to keep putting his best foot forward. Mentions that there were nerves when he walked out to bat, but he was fortunate that things came off for him on the day. Connolly shares that they, as a team, haven't set any specific target, but the focus is more on assessing conditions as early as possible and figuring out the best way to go about their business. He also speaks about leaning on the more experienced players in the group, picking their brains on what works for them in these conditions, as a way to keep learning and improving his own game.

Up for a quick word - CSK's young star, Ayush Mhatre, on whether expectations are too high on him or if he’s comfortable with them, says that strong performances last season and in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy have naturally brought added attention, but he sees it as a positive kind of pressure. On whether he prefers any batting position, having opened and also batted at number 3, Ayush puts it down to him being okay with whatever the team needs from him. On being asked how CSK plan to bounce back from the previous loss, Ayush shares that the practice sessions leading into the game have been really good, with the squad putting in a lot of hard work. He adds that the pre-season camps were productive as well, and the team will look to give their best this time around. On whether he’s enjoying his time with CSK and how the winning experience has been, Ayush Mhatre says it has been a huge learning phase for him, adding that the support they receive from the crowd wherever they go is a big positive.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta and Michael Clarke are pitchside with their reading of the conditions. Deep informs that the square boundaries are 67 meters and 66 meters respectively, with the straight hit being 78 meters. Says that the spinners have found more success traditionally at this venue because of slightly bigger boundaries. Also points out that it was a high-scoring venue in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Clarke joins him and instantly calls it an absolute belter and a batting paradise. According to him, it doesn't matter if you choose to bat or bowl first here, as he doesn't see too much dew setting in. Observes that it is a bit dry underneath the grass and is rock hard as well. Believes that the ball will come nicely onto the bat, and the bowlers are going to have a tough night. Stresses that the bowlers should focus on pace variations to achieve success here.

Conditions in focus - At the World Cup, Chennai didn't quite play out as the spin-friendly venue it is often perceived to be. However, in the IPL, spinners have enjoyed an economy rate of 7.2 here, the best for any venue in the league's history (minimum 20 matches). Since 2024, batting hasn't been easy, with Chennai recording the lowest run rate (8.5) among all IPL venues (minimum 10 matches). All of which adds to an intriguing contest. Stay tuned for the toss and team news.

A fading stronghold in Chennai - Chepauk has traditionally been a fortress for the men in yellow, but cracks have begun to appear. CSK managed just 1 win in 6 matches here in 2025 and have lost their last five games in Chennai. Punjab Kings, meanwhile, will take confidence from their recent visits to the venue, having won each of their last three games here against CSK.

Clash of legacy and ambition - Hello and welcome from Chennai for the first time this season in the Indian Premier League, where the Super Kings take on the Punjab Kings. One team with five IPL titles to their name, the other still chasing a maiden crown after coming agonisingly close last season. There is little to separate the two sides, with 16 wins each, but recent history tilts the balance towards PBKS, who have won 7 of the last 8 meetings between the teams.

... MATCH DAY ...

Battle of the Kings - High-octane action in Season 19 of the Indian Premier League continues as Chennai Super Kings take on Punjab Kings in Match 7 of the new season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams have already played a match each, starting their campaigns in contrasting ways. CSK were handed a hefty defeat in their opening game by the Rajasthan Royals, whereas PBKS managed to fight a late stutter to come out on top against the Gujarat Titans. Homecoming for the Yellow Army - Chennai Super Kings will be pleased to be back at Chepauk after that torrid season opener up in Guwahati. The injury concerns still remain but the familiar sight of the ground and home fans will certainly be a boost for the players. Even with the injuries, that batting line-up should be one that oozes stability, with the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson in the top order. The middle order did show some fight but the absence of MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis did prove costly and CSK will be hoping that Shivam Dube holds it all together heading into the death overs. On the bowling front, there wasn't much to talk about as they were defending a low total but still, the overall performance didn't seem up to the mark. Khaleel Ahmed was economical and Anshul Kamboj picked up a couple of wickets but the likes of Matt Henry and Noor Ahmad, the two overseas strike bowlers, were put to the sword. At Chepauk, CSK will expect Noor to lead the attack better in the middle overs and maybe bring in an extra spinner. Looking for consistency - Punjab, on the other hand, arrive with confidence and clarity under Shreyas Iyer. Their squad appears balanced across departments, blending aggressive top-order batting with versatile all-round options and a varied bowling attack. A winning start has reinforced belief, and players like Marcus Stoinis and Arshdeep Singh provide both firepower and control at crucial stages. Unlike previous seasons where inconsistency plagued them, Punjab now look like a side with defined roles and a coherent game plan, capable of adapting to different match situations.In terms of their last match, PBKS seemed to be cruising in a chase of 163 after a very solid performance from their bowling unit. However, once the skipper got out, it triggered a huge collapse but Cooper Connolly showed why he is so highly rated as he steered them to the finish line with an amazing knock in his debut game. However, Punjab will want that middle order to show more grit as they look to make it two wins out of two. What's the head-to-head like? The head-to-head record between these two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue, with both sides historically evenly matched. However, recent encounters have tilted slightly in Punjab’s favor, suggesting a shift in competitive balance. For Chennai, reclaiming dominance at home becomes crucial, while Punjab will view this as an opportunity to assert themselves further against a traditionally strong opponent. Such evenly poised rivalries often hinge on small moments - an over of brilliance, a dropped catch, or a strategic gamble. The changing pitch at Chepauk - Conditions at Chepauk are expected to play a significant role in shaping the contest. Traditionally known for assisting spinners, the surface in recent seasons has offered more for batters, with improved bounce and carry. However, spin remains a factor, particularly in the middle overs, where bowlers can control the tempo of the game. The possibility of dew in the second innings may also influence captains at the toss, potentially making chasing a preferred option. Teams will need to strike a balance between aggression and caution, especially during the transition phases of the innings. The difference-makers - Key individual battles could ultimately define the outcome. The contest between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Arshdeep Singh in the powerplay will set the tone for Chennai’s innings, while the duel between Shivam Dube and Yuzvendra Chahal in the middle overs could determine whether CSK can accelerate or stall. For Punjab, Iyer’s ability to handle spin against Chennai’s slower bowlers will be critical, while Stoinis’ role in the death overs could prove decisive in pushing the total beyond par or finishing a chase. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches) - CSK- LWLWL | PBKS- WLWLW. Predictions? Early-season fixtures often shape narratives, and this clash already carries added intrigue: a historically balanced rivalry, shifting team dynamics, and questions around form versus familiarity. With Chepauk’s evolving pitch conditions and two differently constructed squads, the match promises both tactical depth and high entertainment value. From a tactical standpoint, Chennai are likely to rely heavily on their spin attack to choke Punjab’s scoring in the middle overs, while aiming for a more measured start with the bat to avoid early collapses. Punjab, conversely, may look to attack early with the ball and then build partnerships through the middle phase before unleashing their finishers. The contrasting approaches - CSK’s control-oriented style versus PBKS’s dynamic aggression - set up an engaging strategic battle. Who are you backing for the win?