IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan shines as SRH qualifies for playoffs after beating CSK by five wickets

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Ishan Kishan plays a shot (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad booked their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs after beating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in Chepauk on Monday. Chasing 181 on a slow surface, SRH cruised home comfortably in 19 overs thanks to a brilliant partnership between Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen.Kishan led the chase with a classy 70 off 47 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes, while Klaasen added a brisk 47 off just 26 deliveries. Their 75-run stand completely changed the momentum after SRH got off to a cautious start and lost Travis Head early. Abhishek Sharma also struggled with timing before Klaasen’s aggressive approach helped SRH dominate the middle overs.

Cummins shines as SRH control CSK

Earlier, SRH skipper Pat Cummins produced another impressive spell with the ball, taking 3/28 and picking up wickets at crucial times. Chennai started strongly through Sanju Samson, who attacked from the first over and smashed boundaries freely before Cummins dismissed him with a crisp delivery.Young batsmen Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma played useful cameos while Dewald Brevis finally found form with an entertaining 44. Shivam Dube also chipped in with 26 as CSK managed to reach 180/7.However, Cummins kept breaking the partnership and never allowed Chennai to fully take control. He removed Kartika Sharma with a slower delivery and later dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad, who struggled with rhythm in 15 runs off 21 balls.

The playoff race is heating up

The win took SRH to 16 points and confirmed their place in the playoffs alongside Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. CSK, meanwhile, remain on 12 points from 13 matches and still have a slim mathematical chance of reaching the knockout stages and making it to the final league match.