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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with an energetic start against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In a must-win encounter for the five-time champions, the home side delivered an early breakthrough thanks to a brilliant effort from pacer Mukesh Choudhary, who removed dangerous SRH opener Travis Head with a sharp caught-and-bowled dismissal.
After posting a competitive 180/7 in the first innings, CSK needed quick wickets to put pressure on Hyderabad’s explosive batting lineup. Mukesh answered the call in style, sending the Chepauk crowd into celebration with a stunning reflex catch off his own bowling.
Mukesh Choudhary produces magical moment against Travis Head
The dismissal came during an aggressive attempt from Travis Head, who never looked fully settled at the crease. Mukesh bowled a short and quick delivery around the off-stump channel, hurrying the Australian batter with extra pace. Head attempted to pull the ball away but lost his balance and timing in the process. The ball took the bottom edge of the bat and popped back towards the bowler. Mukesh reacted instantly and completed a sharp return catch to hand CSK a dream start in the chase.
The wicket immediately lifted the atmosphere inside Chepauk as the crowd erupted in loud cheers. Head, known for his destructive starts in T20 cricket, walked back after failing to make an impact, leaving SRH under early pressure. The wicket was especially important considering the match situation. With CSK needing a victory to remain in contention for the IPL 2026 playoffs, dismissing one of SRH’s most dangerous batters early gave the hosts a massive boost.
Here’s the video:
Impact Player assignment understood to perfection! 💯
Mukesh Choudhary gets the massive wicket of Travis Head 👊
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Also READ: IPL 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad explains why MS Dhoni is not playing CSK’s final game at Chepauk
Dewald Brevis shines with the bat for Chennai
Earlier in the evening, Chennai Super Kings posted 180/7 after opting to bat first by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who won the toss and elected to set a target. CSK did not enjoy the best of starts as Sanju Samson scored 27 while captain Gaikwad managed only 15. Urvil Patel also failed to convert his start and departed for 13, putting pressure on the middle order.
However, young batter Kartik Sharma played a useful knock of 32 runs and stitched important partnerships to steady the innings. The biggest contribution came from Dewald Brevis, who played an entertaining innings of 44 runs and kept the scoreboard moving during the middle overs. All-rounder Shivam Dube also chipped in with a valuable 26, helping Chennai reach a fighting total on a surface that offered assistance to the bowlers at times.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, skipper Pat Cummins led from the front with the ball and finished with three wickets to keep CSK from crossing the 200-run mark.
