CSK vs DC

11:55 PM local time and IST: That will be the end of the action from the double header tonight with the tournament getting a big boost with CSK getting off the mark. We have another double-header lined up for tomorrow with LSG vs DC starting us off before a huge clash between MI and RCB at the Wankhede. We will be there bringing you all the action as ever, for now this is Sourabh Agrawal signing off on behalf of Pradeep, Bala and the rest of the team here. Cheers!

No prizes for guessing that Sanju Samson is the Player of the Match for his scintillating century, 115 unbeaten off 56 balls, this is what he said: It really means a lot. The trust they showed on me, made me feel responsible and I wanted to put on a show and say that we are still in the tournament. Not easy to come to a new franchise but it really has not felt like a new franchise, even after the three losses we had a 50-second team meeting tonight and that is something that resonates with me as a person.

I have failed a lot, failing teaches you a lot how to come back. The mind can get a bit here and there but I need to know what my basics are and need to stick to the basics to get in a different zone mentally. Needed to come back to watching the ball coming out of the bowler's hand and timing the ball

(partnership with Ayush Mhatre) It is really important to have partnerships. Ayush never looked like he has just come out of U19, he was very calculative, very mature and composed

(on his celebration) It was for Stephen Fleming. It is not easy to be a coach for this long for a franchise, it can be very challenging. So, just wanted to dedicate it to him

Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK captain): Feels good to finally get that win. Great performance to start with. Always felt that we have been batting well batting first, posting 210-215 when the wicket was playing a bit slow. I felt we were batting well in the last game as well but it was one of those games when Sanju got stuck into the opposition and played a maginificent knock. Ayush played well too

We do not have the x-factor bowlers but we always discuss that how we can put in that something extra, save that extra boundary. Try and use the lengths that we use. Even in the last game we were very close, just the one or two overs that went for big runs that cost us

Chennai fans are always there behind us no matter what. I have receieved so many messages, they always back us. That is what this side of the country is, just lovely people enjoying the game of cricket

Jamie Overton [Chennai Super Kings]: "(On his bowling form and rhythm) It’s been feeling really good. A couple of games didn’t go my way, and one over last week affected the figures a bit, but that’s part of T20 cricket. Since the Big Bash around December, I’ve been in a good rhythm—bowling with pace and just trying to keep that consistency going while looking for wickets.(On the bowling approach and conditions) The key on this surface was to hit the top of the stumps. It was a bit tacky at times—some balls skidded through while others held up or bounced a bit more. The idea was to bring the batters forward and limit their ability to play across the line.(On his fitness during the game) I’m feeling fine—it was just a bit of cramp. It’s pretty hot out there, but nothing to worry about."

Axar Patel [Delhi Capitals captain]: "(On the chase and key turning points) We got off to a good start, but after the powerplay, losing a couple of wickets in quick succession broke the momentum. In a chase like this, clusters of wickets make things very difficult, and that’s where the game started slipping away from us.(On the overall performance and fielding impact) I think the batters did a decent job overall, and the target was definitely achievable. But the difference in the game came down to fielding. We let ourselves down in the field, and those moments proved costly.(On dropped chances and match outcome) There were a couple of dropped catches, and if we had taken those chances, the result could have been very different. In a high-scoring game like this, those small moments make a huge impact.(On the pitch and bowling effort) The pitch remained good throughout and didn’t slow down. The bowlers did well to restrict them to that total on a batting-friendly surface, even though dew made things a bit challenging later on.(On the team’s outlook) It’s a tough loss, but it’s a long tournament. There’s plenty of time to regroup and come back stronger."

11:30 PM local time and IST: MATCH SUMMARY

Chennai Super Kings (212/2 in 20 overs) beat Delhi Capitals (189 all-out in 20 overs) by 23 runs

Sanju Samson 115*(56) | Jamie Overton 4/18(4)
Tristan Stubbs 60(38) | Axar Patel 1/39(4)

CSK win at their beloved Chepauk Stadium after 6 games and get off the mark in IPL 2026, yellow all over the stadium and the relief on the faces of the players as well as the CEO Kasi Viswanathan is there to be seen by all. The fans have waited a long time for this win, they finally have something to cheer for and boy the cheers are loud or what

You could see the intensity in the field from the get go. Yes, DC did get off to a bit of a flier in their hunt of 213 with Nissanka and KL Rahul but as soon as they got that first breakthrough it was like something changed. From 61/0 to 76/4 in a space of 3 overs, DC were rattled with some quick wickets as the CSK bowlers were well supported by their fielders who were right up their, including an absolute stunner from Sarfaraz at point to dismiss Axar which deserces a special mention

Stubbs did put up a spirited fight, he scored a good fifty but never really got the support that he needed from the other end. Miller and Ashutosh did stay there at the crease for a while but no way near enough for DC and it was in the end a complete performance from the CSK team

Jamie Overton registered the best figures of the season, 4/18 and he rushed the batters with his hard lengths and pace and he proved to be very effective. The likes of Kamboj and Gurjapneet were impressive as well with their plans into the wicket while Khaleel and Noor got their first wicket of the season making a good all-round performance from the bowlers

As a result, CSK have got the first points on the board and they are now off the bottom of the table going above KKR and are at number 9. For DC, it is back-to-back losses in chases after two successful ones to start the campaign and they have got some things to think about now

19.6 Anshul Kamboj to Lungisani Ngidi, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! THAT'S IT! CSK register their first win of the season, has been a comprehensive win setup by Samson and Overton! Delhi Capitals are eventually bowled out. Full and wide, Ngidi reaches, takes the edge and went straight to Gurjapneet who takes a simple catch at short third.

19.4 Anshul Kamboj to Lungisani Ngidi, full and outside the off-stump. Ngidi reaches and misses. Siren comes out, Kamboj has overstepped, no-ball is signaled!

The DJ is absolutely blasting away, huge smiles on everyone in the CSK camp. The management group is pleased as well, they are about to get on the board