Blazing powerplay and a slowdown after that is a common sight in Chepauk. The new ball is ideally the easiest to play with, but the ball stops and holds as it gets older. The last few years, though, have seen none of that in Chepauk. Docile pitches, no swing, no spin, dew, and chasing paradises. Out of 93 games at the venue, 52 were won by the side batting first.

CSK, in the first five years of the IPL, won 12 tosses at Chepauk and chose to bat all twelve times to indicate the benefits of going first there. A venue where 160 was defendable, though, turned into one where even 200 is not safe. The last two games, though, are seeing some changes. Today in particular, CSK were blazing. They made 72 in the power play and looked set for something north of 220. It was the kind of start Suresh Raina and Murali Vijay used to nail back in the day.

Reactions: IPL 2026: Post-match reactions after match 23

The next fourteen overs, though, went away from the traditional IPL template in other venues. CSK struggled and huffed and puffed their way. The next fourteen overs saw them go at hardly 8 an over. They ended with 192, which in today's league is not up to par with the score level. The odds were against them.

A score below 200 was yet to be defended this year, and the stage was set for one of the best defending grounds to show that scores can be defended here, too. Chepauk was at its best. The powerplay had some good new-ball bowling, but it was the middle-overs where Chepauk came into its own. Noor Ahmed and Akeal Hossein combined, and the choke began. It was not Dhoni behind the stumps this time, but it was Sanju Samson who was pretty vocal as well.

8 overs for 47 runs is what Noor Ahmed and Akeal Hossein conceded. 4 wickets between them. Noor Ahmed, struggling up until the last game, was at his best. He ran through the middle order single-handedly with two wickets, including the one of Cameron Green off consecutive deliveries. After a good period, possibly for the first time since 2019, the CSK spin choke was on at Chepauk.

Unlike in 2019 or even in the Qualifier in 2023, though, this pitch did not have as much spin. It had a hint of grip with the ball holding ever so slightly. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy showed the way, and it was the CSK spinners who used their home conditions to good effect, giving CSK a second win at home.

With little support, the fortress was on the wane, but now, with a hint of grip, the fortress is showing glimpses of being rebuilt. There is still a long way to go, and the docile nature of surfaces makes it unlikely to continue. Other sides are stacked with better spinners as well, making it even more challenging, but CSK will believe now that they have hope.

Rajasthan Royals delivered a commanding performance to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets in IPL 2026. Rajasthan put on an accomplished hitting display while pursuing the difficult task of successfully chasing a target of 202 runs in a mere 18 overs with plenty of batting depth and controlled hitting. The match instantly evolved into a run-fest and, though many of the batsmen were able to keep their scoring rates very high throughout the match, Rajasthan's intent to keep their game plan of aggressive running on the first ball kept them in front throughout the match. They continuously kept the required runs/rate such that they were always far ahead of schedule, allowing them to cruise through their innings without ever being in any trouble of achieving the required runs.

RCB made 201 runs with 8 outs, at the hand of Rajat Patidar's solid innings of 63 from 40 balls, and with the contributions of 32 runs by Virat Kohli in the early stages followed by both Romario Shepherd and Venkatesh Iyer pulling into the last 20 overs, they may have added more runs to their total IF they had not lost a wicket consistently throughout the innings to keep their run total down. Rajasthan's bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi, took the key wickets to keep the target so that it was attainable.

In response, Rajasthan Royals were led by a stunning 78 off 26 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who set the tone with an explosive innings. Dhruv Jurel then anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 81, ensuring there were no late hiccups. Despite a few breakthroughs by RCB, Rajasthan maintained complete control and sealed the win comfortably with two overs remaining, strengthening their position in the IPL 2026 standings.

See Also: IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals beat RCB by 6 wickets as Sooryavanshi and Jurel dominate chase

IPL 2026, Match 16, RR vs RCB: Updated PSL Points Table

IPL 2026, Match 16, RR vs RCB: Most Runs (Orange Cap)

IPL 2026, Match 16, RR vs RCB: Most Wickets (Purple Cap)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) produced a dominant batting display to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets in IPL 2026. RR achieved an impressive target of 202 in only 18 overs and proved their depth of batting and intent on attacking the ball. Both teams produced a high-scoring match with plenty of good entertainment value, especially given how aggressive Rajasthan Royals had been from ball 1; therefore, maintaining the run rate required throughout their innings kept them on schedule to achieve their goal.

RCB recorded 201 runs for eight wickets after the first innings of play after the solid innings of Rajat Patidar who scored 63 runs off 40 balls. Other contributing players who helped RCB reach their total early in the innings were Virat Kohli (32 runs), Romario Shepherd (16 runs) and Venkatesh Iyer (9 runs). Even though RCB reached an excellent total; they did not take full advantage of their good position due to constant loss of wickets throughout the innings.

Rajasthan’s bowlers delivered a mixed performance but managed to pick up key wickets at crucial moments. Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi claimed two wickets each, while Brijesh Sharma also chipped in with a couple of scalps. Their efforts ensured RCB didn’t run away with the game, keeping the target within reach. Although the bowling was slightly expensive, timely breakthroughs helped Rajasthan stay competitive heading into the chase.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli's funny Nagin dance during RCB practice

Sooryavanshi and Jurel Power Chase

In reply, Rajasthan Royals got off to a brisk start, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing a sensational knock of 78 off just 26 balls. His aggressive innings, filled with boundaries and sixes, shifted the momentum heavily in Rajasthan’s favor. Dhruv Jurel anchored the chase with a brilliant unbeaten 81, ensuring stability after a few quick wickets in the middle overs. Their partnership effectively sealed the game early.

Despite picking up a couple of wickets, Royal Challengers Bengaluru failed to contain Rajasthan’s scoring rate. The target was chased down comfortably with 12 balls to spare, highlighting Rajasthan’s dominance in the contest. Contributions from Ravindra Jadeja towards the end helped finish the game smoothly. This comprehensive win strengthens Rajasthan’s position in IPL 2026, while RCB will look to regroup after conceding a high-scoring defeat.

RR vs RCB: Key Performances

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominated with a blistering 78 off 26 balls, while Dhruv Jurel anchored the chase with an unbeaten 81. Rajat Patidar starred for RCB with 63, and Virat Kohli added a quick 32. With the ball, Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi picked up two wickets each, ensuring Rajasthan stayed in control of the contest.

The Chase

In a period where 200 is barely par, 220 is good, and 240 is great, KKR had LSG on the ropes. They made 180 look very big with their bowling, finally falling in place. Wickets at regular intervals, but Ayush Badoni kept things open with his own smooth innings. The required rate was nowhere out of range with 55 off 30, but with bowlers to come and Narine left with an over, the game was slipping away.

Narine was seen off, though, and it started. 50 off 21 and Mukul Choudhary makes heads turn with an MS Dhoni-like helicopter. It was take-off time as Mukul Choudhary displayed powerful wristwork to get Vaibhav Arora over the fence. The mood changed, and the game was on yet again. He backed himself, leaving Avesh Khan at the non-strikers' end and rejecting singles on offer.

 The 18th over, Kartik Tyagi, a wonderboy in the death on his own, and the pressure was on. Mukul Choudhary only needed to score off three balls, and two of those cleared the fence to keep them in the hunt yet again. Powerful wrist work and brute force as he launched the ball into the orbit yet again.

The Mukul Choudhary Magic

Kartik Tyagi was negotiated, but could Choudhary do the same against a foreign young star in Cameron Green? Trusted with the 19th over after not bowling in months, Cameron Green backed his strength in the steep bounce that he can extract. It was three scoring shots again, though, which is all Mukul Needed. Two big sixes and a boundary, the helicopter came out again, and suddenly the pressure was all on Vaibhav Arora.

How Fans Reacted to the Mukul Madness: “Pressure mein collapse!” Fans react as KKR lose to LSG by 3 wickets in IPL 2026 clash

The new wonderkid in the IPL added to the pressure with a six off the second ball to reduce the equation to 7 off 4. He was in the groove, but Arora was not done. Two beautiful wide yorkers kept him in the hunt, and Mukul was left swinging for air. 7 off 2, second thriller in two nights. David Miller, a seasoned pro, could not finish. What about the youngster in Mukul Choudhary? 

Vaibhav Arora went wide again, and this time, the third time in three balls, Mukul was ready, and he cleared deep point with a flat and powerful six. One off one, and the game was in his pocket. Calmness personified as he marshalled the lower order when the game looked out of reach. 1 to get, a bye was snuck, and it was Avesh Khan again, given a moment to celebrate with the bat, or more with his running when it mattered the most. 

It was all Mukul Choudhary in Kolkata. 52 runs scored in the death. Only one player in Kieron Pollard, has done that before and come out successful in a run chase. 54 runs chased with 3 wickets left was also a record for the most runs chased after 7 wickets fell after CSK's 61 back in 2018. It was a night when Mukul Choudhary made a record. Moreover, though, it was a night where Mukul Choudhary announced himself in the IPL with a helicopter of his own and made the tournament take note that a kid is waiting to deny sides in the death.

Peshawar Zalmi continued their strong form in PSL 2026 with a four-wicket win over Hyderabad Kingsmen. After choosing to bowl first, Zalmi restricted Hyderabad to 145 in 18.2 overs through a disciplined bowling effort. The match witnessed a few momentum swings, but Peshawar Zalmi largely stayed in control. Hyderabad struggled to stitch together partnerships and could not build a competitive total, leaving their bowlers with a challenging task against a confident Zalmi batting lineup.

Hyderabad Kingsmen endured a poor start, losing early wickets that put them on the back foot. Iftikhar Ahmed made a major impact with the ball, picking up four wickets to dismantle the top order. Sufiyan Muqeem also impressed with four scalps, ensuring Hyderabad never gained momentum. Kusal Perera played a fighting knock of 58, while Marnus Labuschagne contributed 27, but their efforts were not enough to lift the innings to a competitive score.

In the chase, Peshawar Zalmi maintained control with Babar Azam anchoring the innings with 43. Support came from Kusal Mendis (27) and Michael Bracewell (25), keeping the run chase on track despite a few wickets. Hyderabad bowlers, including Saim Ayub, tried to create pressure but fell short. Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten to guide Zalmi home, while Hyderabad continued their winless run in the tournament.

See Also: PSL 2026: Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by 4 wickets, Iftikhar Ahmed shines

PSL 2026, Match 15, HYK vs PEZ : Updated PSL Points Table

PSL 2026, Match 15, HYK vs PEZ : Most Runs

PSL 2026, Match 15, HYK vs PEZ : Most Wickets

Peshawar Zalmi secured a four-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in Match 15 of PSL 2026, continuing their strong run in the tournament. Zalmi bowlers produced an impressive bowling performance to limit Hyderabad Kingsmen to 145 in 18.2 overs after winning the toss and batting first. Throughout the match, there were many swings in momentum, but for most of the match Zalmi remained on top of the opposition. With few solid partnerships, Hyderabad struggled to create scoring opportunities and although some batters had solid individual contributions, they did not manage to generate enough runs to set a competitive total.

HYK batters began the match poorly; early wickets fell in quick succession before Iftikhar Ahmed swung the momentum back in favour of the PEZ with his 4-wicket haul, dismantling the top-order batting line-up of Hyderabad. Sufiyan Muqeem also added four wickets and prevented the Hyderabad batters from ever gaining any momentum throughout the innings. While Kusal Perera fought hard with his 58 runs and Marnus Labuschagne made 27 runs, these contributions were not enough to stabilise the innings.

Despite a brief recovery in the middle overs, Hyderabad’s lower order collapsed under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. The lack of partnerships hurt their chances of posting a competitive score. Peshawar’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, keeping the scoring rate in check and picking wickets at crucial moments. Hyderabad eventually folded for 145, a total that appeared below par considering the batting conditions, leaving their bowlers with a tough task to defend.

See Also: PSL 2026: David Warner arrested for drunk driving during break, court date awaits

Peshawar Zalmi seal comfortable chase

Peshawar Zalmi began their chase for 146 runs well, with Babar Azam leading with an efficient 43. Kusal Mendis helped by scoring 27, and Michael Bracewell contributed 25 to help Peshawar execute their strategy for the chase. Peshawar Zalmi lost some wickets, but they kept ahead of the required run rate and were under no pressure during the later parts of their innings.

The bowlers from Hyderabad attempted to counteract this, with Saim Ayub taking his two wickets and others getting some wickets; however, this was not enough to create any pressure for the PEZ batters. The batting of Iftikhar Ahmed, who was not out at the end, ensured that Peshawar would win. Aamer Jamal assisted Iftikhar Ahmed in guiding Peshawar home. This victory leaves Peshawar with two wins and one no-result on the points table, while Hyderabad has four matches without a win and is at the bottom of the points table.

PSL 2026, HYK vs PEZ: Key Performances

Iftikhar Ahmed starred with an outstanding all-round display, picking up 4 wickets and later scoring an unbeaten 15 to guide Peshawar Zalmi home. Sufiyan Muqeem also impressed with 4 wickets, dismantling Hyderabad’s middle order. For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Kusal Perera was the standout with a fighting 58. Babar Azam anchored the chase with 43, while Michael Bracewell (25) provided crucial support in the middle overs.

Gujarat Titans pulled off a thrilling one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in a dramatic IPL 2026 clash that went down to the final ball. Batting first, Gujarat posted a strong 210/4, setting up a high-scoring contest. The game remained evenly balanced throughout, with both sides exchanging momentum. Delhi came close during the chase, but Gujarat held their composure in the crucial moments to seal a memorable win in one of the most exciting finishes of the season.

Gujarat’s innings was built around a solid 70 from Shubman Gill, supported by an explosive 52 from Jos Buttler and a valuable 55 by Washington Sundar. Their partnerships in the middle overs laid the foundation for a competitive total. In reply, Delhi Capitals mounted a strong chase led by KL Rahul, who scored a brilliant 92, with key contributions from Pathum Nissanka and David Miller.

The decisive moment came through Rashid Khan, whose outstanding spell of 3/17 shifted the momentum back in Gujarat’s favor. Prasidh Krishna also played a crucial role with two wickets at key intervals. Despite Delhi’s late push, Gujarat’s bowlers held their nerve in the final over, denying them victory by the narrowest margin. The last-ball finish left Delhi heartbroken, while Gujarat celebrated a hard-fought win that will boost their confidence going forward.

See Also: IPL 2026: KL Rahul efforts goes in vain as GT beat DC by 1 run in thriller

IPL 2026, Match 14: Updated Points Table

IPL 2026, Match 14: Most Runs (Orange Cap)

IPL 2026, Match 14: Most Wickets (Purple Cap)

Gujarat Titans edged past Delhi Capitals by just one run in a nail-biting IPL 2026 encounter that went down to the final ball. Batting first, Gujarat posted a formidable 210/4, setting up a high-scoring thriller.  Both teams went at each other with ferocity throughout the match and it lived up to all the excitement going into it. A very strong chase by Delhi could not convert into a win for Delhi last night since Gujarat remained calm through the tense final moments to secure a very dramatic victory, making it one of the most entertaining ways to end a game during this season.

The innings of the Gujarat Titans were spearheaded by captain Shubman Gill who produced 70 runs from 45 balls in a very steady manner and Jos Buttler who smashed a quick 52 runs from 27 balls. Washington Sundar increased the momentum very substantially by scoring 55 runs, putting Gujarat's total over the 200 mark. Both Shubman and Jos’ partnerships through the middle overs resulted in helping them build a challenging score. Even with Delhi producing some very economical bowling spells throughout the innings, Gujarat was aggressive with their batting approach the entire time.

Chasing 211, Delhi Capitals put up a valiant effort led by KL Rahul, who played a sensational knock of 92 off 52 balls. Pathum Nissanka provided a strong start with 41, while David Miller remained unbeaten on 41 to keep hopes alive till the very end. The game went down to the last ball, with Delhi needing just a couple of runs, but Gujarat’s bowlers held their composure under pressure.

See Also: Watch: Heartbroken David Miller gets emotional in dressing room after IPL 2026 defeat vs GT

Rashid Khan turns the game around

The match turned dramatically when Rashid Khan bowled an impressive spell of 3 wickets for just 17 runs to bring Gujarat back into the match. With some crucial breakthroughs taken in the middle overs, it ensured there was pressure on the chasing team after they lost momentum. With Prasidh Krishna joining in to take two vital wickets, it kept the match even going into the last few overs. Gujarat's disciplined bowling would prove to be the key reason why Delhi was unable to reach a critical point during the match.

In a final over which had extreme drama as Delhi Capitals required only a few runs to win; Gujarat Titans were able to deliver an exceptional performance under pressure. With tight bowling and good fielding, Delhi were unable to reach the finish line. Unfortunately for Delhi, they fell just one run short at the end of the match. This thrilling win by Gujarat will provide them with confidence moving forward, whereas Delhi will look to recover from losing one of the closest finishes in the history of IPL 2026.

IPL 2026, DC vs GT: Key Performances

Shubman Gill led Gujarat Titans with a composed 70, while Jos Buttler (52) and Washington Sundar (55) powered them to 210. For Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul starred with a brilliant 92, supported by Pathum Nissanka (41) and David Miller(41*). With the ball, Rashid Khan turned the game with 3/17, while Prasidh Krishna picked up two crucial wickets.

Should I have taken that? Single is a question David Miller has been kicking himself over for a while now. Two to get off two balls, take a single and leave it to Kuldeep, worst case scenario is a super over. David Miller did not want that. He was in the groove. He was ruling the game, and he backed himself to get two off the Final ball.

The Lead-Up

In the 13th over of the game, a blow to the left hand had David Miller retire hurt when the game was hanging in the balance. A lot rested on KL Rahul, who batted like a man possessed. Timing the ball and clearing the fence with ease. Wickets, though, went around him with Rashid Khan spinning his own web on the Delhi batters. 12 off 10, David Miller walks off. 81 to get in 7 overs. He walks off and is followed in succession by Axar Patel and Tristin Stubbs, who lose their wickets. Pressure rising on Rahul as David Miller comes for a second chance.

Jos Buttler Finds His Range: Jos Buttler Goes On A Roll to Find Runs Again

Gujarat is the favorite, but Delhi is in with a chance as long as Rahul is around. David Miller, though, showed that he is not one to be counted out. If Rahul can clear the fence, David Miller can clear the stands. The South African who has witnessed heartbreak after heartbreak since 2013 for his nation had a team resting on his shoulders again. Pressure is nothing new to him, and succumbing to pressure, unfortunately, isn't as well.

The Final Over Showdown

He shows no respect, hitting his countrymen, Kagiso Rabada, over the fence to keep the rate manageable with 36 needed in two overs. From the dismissed Rahul, the responsibility shifted. A game long gone was kept alive. The 19th over though, changed the complexion with David Miller feeding into the bowling of Mohammad Siraj. He took him apart with 23 runs in the over leave 13 for the final over. Vipraj Nigam made the task easier with a boundary on the first ball. At 8 off 3, though, David Miller delivered what was to be the killing blow.

It was in the arc, and David Miller swung it out of the park in his own style. It was a face-off between him and Prasidh Krishna in the final over. The two had a face-off before as well, when David Miller, playing for Gujarat, took on Rajasthan in the qualifier 1 back in 2022. Facing Prasidh Krishna with 16 to get back then, David Miller hit three sixers to kill the game. A repeat looked likely, Prasidh Krishna, though, was having none of it as he was in for his own revenge story. Absolute cinema. A face-off with history, and David Miller did the unthinkable. Hitting the ball well to square leg, an easy single was on offer to tie the game with a ball to go. David Miller, though, backing himself to win off the final ball, refused the single.

A short ball, and David Miller was left swinging for air. He tried to sneak a bye, but Jos Buttler was a step ahead. A direct hit, and Kuldeep Yadav was left on the ground short of his mark. Gujarat won, and David Miller now stands thinking about what could have been yet again. Could he have backed himself in the super over, especially considering he won one a few months ago in the World Cup? A lot of what-ifs as Delhi goes back now to the drawing board, looking at what could have been and what isn't