IPL Updates: Mendis guides SRH to 1st win at Chepauk

Fri, 25 April 2025

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23:20

Mendis guides SRH to 1st win at Chepauk

SRH 155-5 (18.4 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

SRH beat CSK at Chepauk for the very first time, chasing down 155 with 5 wickets in hand and 8 balls to spare.

Kamindu Mendis and Nitish Kumar Reddy kept their cool under pressure and saw it through with smart, risk-free batting.

First-ever SRH win in Chennai

Kamindu Mendis: calm under pressure

Solid finish from Nitish

SRH outplayed CSK in both strategy and temperament. Massive result in the context of the rivalry - Chepauk no longer a fortress, at least for tonight.

23:12

Can CSK pull off a miracle?

SRH 149-5 (18 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Khaleel returns, but not enough pressure applied. Mendis and Nitish continue to rotate strike smartly, with a couple of twos and a few singles - great running between the wickets. No risks, just calm and calculated batting. 7 runs off the over.

After 18 overs, SRH are 149/5, needing just 6 from 12 balls.

Unless there's a twist in the tale, this chase looks nearly done! Can CSK find a final spark?

23:09

Can CSK pull off a miracle?

SRH 142-5 (17 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Pathirana under pressure, and SRH cashing in!

Starts with a wide, and then Nitish Kumar Reddy takes charge - a boundary off the pull, followed by a smart two and another boundary to end the over. Mendis is calmly rotating strike in between.15 runs off the over. After 17, SRH are 142/5, needing just 13 from 18 balls.

It's SRH's game to lose now. Can CSK pull off a miracle or will SRH cruise through with ease?

23:06

Momentum shifting towards SRH

SRH 127-5 (16 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Noor Ahmad strays in line and oversteps -a couple of no-balls gifting SRH extra runs and deliveries. Mendis nearly perishes trying to loft one, but fortune favours him. He makes the most of the next chance, drilling a boundary through the gap. Nitish closes the over with a couple of crucial runs.13 runs off the 16th over.

SRH are 127/5, needing just 28 from 24 balls.

Momentum's slowly shifting towards SRH. CSK need something special- a tight over or a breakthrough - to swing it back their way.

22:57

CSK's bowling keeps SRH chase in check

SRH 114-5 (15 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Pathirana back and searching for those yorkers - lands a low full toss first up, Mendis nudges it to midwicket. He then finds the gap beautifully with a crisp drive through extra cover for four. There's some tidy running between the wickets too, but Pathirana finishes strong with a pinpoint yorker to Nitish Reddy, who's beaten all ends up.

8 runs off the over. After 15 overs, SRH are 114/5, needing 41 from 30 balls.

It's still anyone's game - a couple of big overs could tilt it SRH's way, but CSK's spinners and Pathirana are making every run feel hard-earned.

22:52

Noor strikes, give CSK hope

SRH 106-5 (14 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Pathirana into the attack and he's a bit rusty to start -a couple of wides and some nervy deliveries. Aniket Verma tries to work the angles but can't find the gaps. Some excellent fielding by Kamboj at deep third saves a certain boundary. Just 4 runs off the over, but SRH still in the chase.

After 13 overs, SRH are 94/4, needing 61 from 42 balls.

Noor Ahmad returns and immediately concedes four byes - too wide and it runs past Dhoni. He keeps things tight otherwise until Mendis breaks loose with a slog over fine leg for four. Then comes the breakthrough: Aniket skies one to long-off and Hooda holds on.

Aniket Verma departs for 19 off 19 balls. Another shift in momentum - CSK right back in it!

SRH are 106/5, needing 49 from 37 balls.

Nitish Kumar is the new batter, he defends the last off the over.

22:36

Kishan departs, SRH 4 down

SRH 90-4 (12 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Noor Ahmad comes into the attack, and Kishan and Aniket exchange singles. Then, Kishan launches a massive six, but Sam Curran takes an outstanding catch to dismiss him! Kishan departs after a valuable knock of 44 off 34 balls.

The game is turning on its head, swinging like a pendulum!10 runs and a wicket came off the over.

After 12 overs, SRH are 90/4, needing 65 runs from 48 balls.

22:33

SRH 80-3 (11 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

The pressure is building on SRH as they try to chase down CSK's target.

Sam Curran starts with a leg bye but Kishan responds with a boundary. Aniket finds his stride with a huge six down the ground! The over ends with two singles, giving 14 runs off the 10th over.

SRH are 69/3, needing 86 from 60 balls

.Jadeja continues his spell, and Kishan and Aniket exchange singles. Kishan whips a couple to deep midwicket and cuts one on the bounce to point for no runs.

CSK request a ball change, and the umpire obliges - the heavy dew from earlier becomes more noticeable. With the new ball in hand, Jadeja continues his attack, going around the wicket.

Kishan comes down the pitch but misses, getting a single off the next ball. Aniket smashes a big shot for six, keeping SRH in the hunt.11 runs came off the 12th over.

After 11 overs, SRH are 80/3, needing 75 runs from 48 balls.

22:33

SRH 80-3 (11 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

The pressure is building on SRH as they try to chase down CSK's target.

Sam Curran starts with a leg bye but Kishan responds with a boundary. Aniket finds his stride with a huge six down the ground! The over ends with two singles, giving 14 runs off the 10th over.

SRH are 69/3, needing 86 from 60 balls

.Jadeja continues his spell, and Kishan and Aniket exchange singles. Kishan whips a couple to deep midwicket and cuts one on the bounce to point for no runs.

CSK request a ball change, and the umpire obliges - the heavy dew from earlier becomes more noticeable. With the new ball in hand, Jadeja continues his attack, going around the wicket.

Kishan comes down the pitch but misses, getting a single off the next ball. Aniket smashes a big shot for six, keeping SRH in the hunt.11 runs came off the 12th over.

After 11 overs, SRH are 80/3, needing 75 runs from 48 balls.

22:24

Jadeja strikes! Klaasen departs

SRH 55-3 (9 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Powerplay done and spin comes on as Ravindra Jadeja takes over. A tidy start from the left-arm spinner-SRH batters play him with caution.

Kishan taps one back to Jadeja, then nudges a single to long-on. Klaasen gets off the mark with a single too. A couple more quiet singles round off the over.

After 7 overs, SRH are 42/2.They need 113 runs from 78 balls.

CSK keeping things tight with spin in play. Sam Curran into the attack and SRH look to break the shackles. Kishan punches one square to rotate strike. Klaasen doesn't hold back-cracks a boundary and follows it with a single. Kishan then finds the fence too with a crisp stroke. A rare misfield at the end allows them to sneak in a couple more.

12 runs off the over.

After 8 overs, SRH are 54/2.They now need 101 from 72 balls.

Momentum starting to shift a bit. Jadeja back into the attack-and he delivers big time!

Massive breakthrough! Klaasen looks to go big but miscues it, and Hooda pulls off a stunner in the deep to send him back. That's a huge scalp for CSK-Klaasen gone for 7 off 8 balls.

SRH 54/3 after 8.1 overs. The chase just got a lot trickier.

Time out called.

Aniket Verma walks in under pressure and takes his time to settle. He defends a few deliveries solidly before finally getting off the mark with a single to end the over.

Just 1 run and a wicket off that Jadeja over - a tidy one!

After 9 overs, SRH are 55/3, needing 100 from 66 balls.

22:09

Khamboj removes Head, SRH 2 down

SRH 37-2 (6 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Anshul Kamboj continues and Travis Head wastes no time '" frees his arms and lofts one over mid-on for four. He then misses a flick, followed by another swing and a miss. A punch to cover point brings no runs, and a risky single attempt is rightly turned down by Kishan. But Kamboj errs in line again, and Head punishes him with another boundary. 8 runs come off the over - after 4 overs, SRH are 29/1 and need 126 from 96 balls.

Noor Ahmad replaces Khaleel from the other end. Kishan and Head rotate strike early in the over. There's a brief delay as the physio comes out to check Noor, but he's fine to continue. Head plays one to cover for no run but then finds the fence with a clean drive. A dot to end the over '" 7 off it. SRH are 36/1 after 5 overs.

Kamboj returns for his third over and continues to apply pressure. Kishan steers towards third man for no run, then gets a single. And then - impact player strikes! Clean bowled! Travis Head departs for 19 off 16 balls.

Heinrich Klaasen walks in with a slip back in place right away. Kamboj finishes a brilliant powerplay over, keeping things tight as Klaasen defends solidly. Just 1 run and a crucial wicket in that over.

After 6 overs, SRH are 37/2.

They now need 118 runs from

Big breakthrough for CSK as SRH are now 37/2.

21:53

SRH lose early wicket

SRH 21-1 (3 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

Anshul Kamboj takes the ball from the other end. Ishan Kishan plays it safe to start, defending the first two deliveries before freeing his arms and slamming a boundary through the off side. He follows it up with a quick single. Travis Head, meanwhile, drives one straight to mid-off for no run, but finishes the over with a well-run couple.

7 runs off the over - after 2 overs, SRH are 13 for 1.

Khaleel Ahmed continues his spell. Ishan Kishan finds the gap early in the over and slams a crisp boundary through the off side. He follows it with a dot, then three more dot balls as Khaleel tightens the line. But Kishan breaks the shackles with another well-timed boundary to end the over.

8 runs from it - after 3 overs, SRH are 21 for 1.

21:45

Khaleel strikes! Abhishek departs for a duck

SRH 6-1 (1 Ovs) vs CSK 154 | SCORECARD

The CSK players take their positions as the crowd roars in anticipation. By the boundary, Abhishek Sharma casually juggles the ball using the edge of his bat-moments before walking into the pressure cooker. Dhoni gathers his team for a quick huddle, offering final words of intent. SRH have activated their Impact Player: Travis Head walks in, replacing Zeeshan Ansari.

Khaleel Ahmed has the new ball and wastes no time making an impact. After a swing and a miss first up, Abhishek goes for a chip on the second delivery-only to find Mhatre at cover. A soft dismissal, and CSK strike early again! Abhishek departs for a duck, and the Chepauk crowd erupts.

Ishan Kishan strides out after the early blow. Khaleel, trying to push for another, sprays one down leg-wide called. Kishan gets off the mark with a single down to third man. Travis Head looks to settle, defends one, then finds his rhythm with a crisp boundary. A firm cut follows but straight to point. Dot to end the over.

A steady start amidst the early drama - 6 runs and a wicket off the first over. SRH are 6/1.

21:27

CSK all out for 154 in Chennai

CSK 154 all out (20 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Hooda played a valuable knock, hitting some crucial late boundaries to help CSK reach 154 on a sluggish, gripping pitch. While it's not a huge total, SRH will be satisfied with the score, especially with dew expected to come into play.

However, they know the chase won't be straightforward and will need a solid effort to get over the line.

21:24

CSK all out for 154 in Chennai

CSK 154 all out (20 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Unadkat will bowl the final over. Hooda starts strong, slamming him for four runs. A slower ball follows, and Hooda hits it hard but doesn't run. He gets a couple of runs off the next ball but refuses singles on the following deliveries. A wide is called, and then Hooda goes for a big shot but is caught!

Abhishek Sharma takes his fourth catch of the night, this time at long-off, waiting patiently for the ball. Hooda departs for 22 off 21 balls.

CSK are all out for 154.

21:17

Harshal dismisses Noor, CSK 9 down

CSK 147-9 (19 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Harshal Patel continues and delivers a slower ball. Noor Ahmad goes for the shot, but it results in a leading edge to short third man, where the catch is taken. Noor departs for 2 off 3 balls.

CSK now 9 wickets down.

Khaleel is the last man in for CSK. He gets off the mark with a single as the ball goes down the leg side. A wide is called. Hooda then defends two balls, before going for a big shot and slamming a huge six.

A no-ball is called for a high full toss, and Ishan Kishan does well to save a certain boundary. Hooda picks up a single, and then defends the last ball of the over.

10 runs and a wicket came off it. After 19 overs, CSK are 147-9.

21:09

Cummins strikes, CSK 8 down

CSK 137-8 (18 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Cummins returns for his final spell. Hooda punches one on the bounce to extra cover-no run. He follows up with a single. Then, a faint edge from Kamboj! Caught behind by Klaasen! Cummins strikes again and Chepauk falls silent.

Kamboj departs for 2 off 4 balls.

Noor Ahmad strides out, but theres a slight delayhis bat doesnt pass the size check! A replacement is brought out, and this ones good to go.

He gets off the mark right away with a single. Hooda follows with a push down the ground for another run. The pair rotate strike with two more singles to end the over.

Just 4 singles and a wicket came off it.

After 18 overs, CSK are 137/8.

21:05

Dhoni departs for 6, CSK 7 down

CSK 133-7 (17 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Harshal Patel returns, and Hooda nudges one to the leg side for a single. Dhoni goes for a big swing but misses. Next ball, he slashes at a wide one-straight to Abhishek Sharma at point, who makes no mistake!

A tame end to a historic outing - Dhoni falls for 6 off 10 in his 400th T20.

CSK bring in Kamboj as their Impact Player, replacing Shivam Dube. He gets going with a solid defensive shot, then opens his account with a couple of runs. A dot ball to finish the over.

Just 3 runs and a wicket from the 17th -CSK 133/7.

20:57

Spin and pace stifle CSK momentum

CSK 130-6 (16 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Zeeshan Ansari returns to the attack. Dhoni charges down first ball but misses. He tries again next delivery and connects - four runs, much to the crowd's delight. A couple of dot balls follow as Dhoni looks to settle in. He then looks to glance one off his hips but it brushes through to short fine leg - leg bye given. Hooda rotates strike with a couple to square leg, then adds a single to end the over. 8 runs from it -after 15 overs, CSK are 127/6.

Cummins returns for his third spell. Hooda starts with a push to deep for a single. Dhoni taps one back to the bowler, then drives towards cover to rotate strike. Hooda is beaten outside off but manages to sneak a single next ball. Dhoni can't connect off the final delivery.

Tight over - just 3 runs from it. After 16 overs, CSK are 130/6.

20:47

Mendis magic! Stunning grab sends Brevis back

CSK 119-6 (14 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Unadkat into the attack. Hooda works one away for a single to start the over. Dube looks to glance one fine but it raps him outside leg-no run. The duo then rotates strike with a pair of singles.

But then, a big moment-Dube looks to clear long-on but doesn't get the elevation. Abhishek Sharma settles under it and takes a comfortable catch. Dube departs for 12 off 9 balls.

And now, the moment the crowd has been waiting for-MS Dhoni walks out for his 400th T20 appearance. The Chepauk erupts!

Dhoni is off the mark straight away with a calm single, drawing a thunderous cheer from the Chepauk crowd. Hooda plays it safe, and the batters manage to collect a few more singles through the over.

Just 4 runs and a wicket off it. After 14 overs, CSK are 119/6.

20:43

Mendis magic! Stunning grab sends Brevis back

CSK 115-5 (13 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Harshal Patel returns and starts tight-Dube punches one to cover for no run, then picks up a single. Brevis swings and misses, but then follows it up with a towering six. However, drama unfolds right after-Kamindu Mendis takes an absolute stunner in the deep! He judged it perfectly, moved a few steps to his left, then flung himself full stretch to his left-plucking the ball out of thin air. A silenced Chepauk watches as Brevis walks back for a well-played 42 off 25.

Deepak Hooda walks in at No. 7 and gets off the mark with a single. Eight runs and a crucial wicket in the over. After 13 overs, CSK are 115/5.

20:37

100 comes up for CSK

CSK 107-4 (12 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Shami returns for SRH and starts with a short, wide delivery that beats Brevis. The youngster gets a couple off the next before being beaten again trying to pull. A well-directed yorker follows, and Brevis squeezes out a single. Then it's Dube's turn-he crashes back-to-back boundaries to lift the momentum. 11 runs come off the 11th over.

Kamindu Mendis continues, bowling left-arm around the wicket to Brevis, who launches him for a towering six! Follows it up with a single. Dube rotates strike with one to long-off. Brevis is in beast mode now-pulls another one for six, then misses a cut, only to finish the over with his third six!

A monster over as 20 runs come off it. CSK roar past 100-after 12 overs, they're 107/4.

20:26

Jadeja departs, CSK 4 down

CSK 76-4 (10 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

After the time-out, Kamindu Mendis continues. Brevis drives one to mid-off but can't find a run. He then plays towards long-on for a single. But Mendis strikes! A beauty of a slider knocks over Brevis' stumps. Jadeja departs for 21 off 17 balls. CSK now 74-4.

Shivam Dube is the new batter and gets off the mark with a single. Brevis attempts a cut but finds point for no run. He then picks up a single to end the over.

Just 3 runs and a wicket came off it, and after 10 overs, CSK are 76-4. Excellent stuff from Kamindu Mendis.

20:21

CSK grind through middle overs

CSK 73-3 (9 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Kamindu Mendis comes from the other end, and Jadeja defends the first three balls. He then flicks one towards deep midwicket for a single. Brevis cuts to deep cover for a single as well, with another single to end the over.

Just 3 runs came off it. After 8 overs, CSK are 61-3.

Zeeshan Ansari continues, and Jadeja greets him with a maximum, the first six of the match! He follows it up with a single. The batters keep the fielder busy, dealing in more singles.

12 runs come off the over. After 9 overs, CSK are 73-3.

20:11

Jadeja gets a lifeline

CSK 58-3 (7 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

The powerplay ends, and Zeeshan Ansari comes into the attack immediately. Brevis cuts but misses the ball at first. He gets going soon after, smashing a boundary. Brevis then cuts hard to backward point, and a misfield allows them to run two easily. He jabs towards deep point for a single, and Jadeja pushes to point for another single. Jadeja skies one, but Harshal Patel drops a sitter, giving Jadeja a lucky lifeline.

8 runs come off the over. After 7 overs, CSK are 58-3.

20:08

Mhatre departs, CSK 3 down in powerplay

CSK 50-3 (6 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Cummins returns to the attack and starts with a yorker, Mhatre digs it out for a single. Jadeja then plays towards the leg side for another single. Mhatre attempts to cut but ends up giving a simple catch to Ishan Kishan. He departs for 30 off 19 balls. CSK are now 3 down in the powerplay.

Dewald Brevis makes his CSK debut and gets off the mark with a single. Jadeja then cuts towards square leg for another single. Brevis finishes the over with a single. 5 runs and a wicket come off the over.

After 6 overs, CSK are 50-3.

20:00

Harshal strikes, CSK 2 down

CSK 45-2 (5 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Jaydev Unadkat comes into the attack now. Mhatre drives to the extra cover fielder for a quick single, and Curran follows suit with an easy single. Mhatre then hammers the ball straight down the ground for a stunning boundary! Unadkat responds with a bouncer outside off, but Mhatre backs away and flat-bats it straight over the bowler for another back-to-back boundary. Mhatre cuts to extra cover but finds the fielder, unable to get any runs.

A total of 10 runs come off the over, and after 4 overs, CSK are 37-1.

Harshal Patel comes into the attack during the powerplay. Curran and Mhatre exchange singles, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Harshal strikes! Curran goes for a lofted shot, but it's in the air and he finds the man in deep midwicket. Verma, perfectly placed for that shot, makes no mistake. Curran departs for 9 off 10 balls.

Jadeja walks out to the crease, but theres a delay as his bat doesnt pass the dimensions test. A new blade is brought out, and he quickly gets into action, finding the gap and slamming it for four runs! He then sends the next one back to the bowler, before taking a couple of runs to end the over.

8 runs and a wicket come off it. After 5 overs, CSK are 45-2.

19:47

Shami strikes first ball

CSK 27-1 (3 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

Cummins bowls from the other end, and Mhatre greets him with a stylish boundary. He follows it up with a single. Curran then pushes the ball towards mid-off, but a bit of confusion ensues as Curran sends Mhatre back, though he makes it safely. Another dot ball follows, and Curran finally gets a single, with some excellent running between the wickets.

Mhatre, however, is on fire, cracking another boundary to end the over.

A total of 10 runs come off the over, and after 2 overs, CSK are 17-1.

Shami continues, and Curran jabs the ball towards mid-on for a quick single. Mhatre attempts a cut shot but misses, before slamming the next ball for a boundary. He can't beat the point fielder on the following delivery, but manages to pick up a single towards point. Curran then joins the action, ending the over with a cracking boundary.

A total of 10 runs come off the over, and after 3 overs, CSK are 27-1.

19:37

Shami strikes first ball

CSK 7-1 (1 Ovs) vs SRH | Scorecard

A huge roar from the crowd as CSK openers Rasheed and Mhatre make their way to the center, closely followed by the Hyderabad team. Shami kicks off the proceedings, and it's a dream start for him- first ball, and Shami strikes! Rasheed departs for a duck!

Sam Curran walks in at No. 3, looking to steady the ship for CSK.

Shami delivers a wide ball, which Curran looks to drive but misses the line. A no-ball is called. Shami then nails a perfect yorker, and Curran can only manage an inside edge, taking a single.

With two slips in place for Mhatre, he defends the first ball, then plays one towards point for no run. The next delivery is slammed to the boundary for four. Mhatre ends the over with a single.

After the first over, CSK are 7-1.

19:26

Here are the playing XIs

Here are the playing XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Mohammed Shami

Impact Subs: Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder

Chennai Super Kings: Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni(w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana

Impact Subs: Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton

19:23

Dhoni's 400th T20: CSK set to bat first

Sunrisers Hyderabad have won the toss and have opted to field.

SRH skipper Pat Cummins said, "We're going to bowl first. Chennai is always a massive game, especially coming off a couple of losses. It's a new venue, and the boys are excited for it. If the pitch plays well, we're confident of posting a big total. Even if it doesn't, we trust our abilities to do well. The surface does look a bit dry, so we'll see how it behaves."

MS Dhoni said, "Dew was the primary reason for opting to bowl first. When things aren't going your way, there's pressure on every department, and that's something we need to manage. Our focus is on getting the process right, and that's what we aim to do for the remaining games. We're taking it one match at a time, experimenting with a few combinations, and backing ourselves to execute well. As for the wicket, we're not entirely sure how it will play, but we're ready to adapt."

CSK have made two changes to their lineup: Rachin and Shankar are out, while Brevis and Hooda come in.

18:56

Dhoni's 400th T20: Will Thala script a fairytale

The boundaries at Chepauk are on the shorter side - 70 metres square, 63 on the other, and 74 metres straight - but the pitch might just even things out.

Simon Doull and Michael Clarke, assessing the surface, noted that it appears dry and reminiscent of what we've seen at this venue in the past.

'It's going to be a bit on the slower side, two-paced,' Doull observed. 'Bowlers will definitely take pace off and use the surface to their advantage.'

Clarke added, 'There might be some turn on offer - not extravagant, but enough to make batting tricky. Expect slower balls, cutters, and spinners to be in play.'

Run-making won't come easy on this pitch, especially early in the innings. Shot selection will be key, and a total around 160 could prove to be a winning score.

While Sunrisers Hyderabad have never beaten Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, this could be their best shot yet. CSK are reeling at the bottom of the table, struggling for form and confidence.

But there's an emotional twist to the evening - MS Dhoni steps out for his 400th T20 match, a milestone that adds weight to what is already a must-win game for both sides.

Expect fireworks, drama, and possibly a turning point in the tournament.

18:43

CSK and SRH face do-or-die IPL showdown

Both CSK and SRH have had turbulent seasons, managing just four points from eight matches. With playoff hopes hanging by a thread, they must now win all remaining games.

CSK, known for dominating at Chepauk, have struggled to read home conditions. After a strong start against MI, they slumped to three consecutive home losses, including their lowest-ever IPL total'"103/9 vs KKR. Head coach Stephen Fleming has expressed concerns over the seam-friendly pitches, which haven't suited CSK's spin-heavy attack. Their away form hasn't fared better, with just one win in four. Batting has lacked firepower, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury absence has compounded the issue.

MS Dhoni has returned as full-time skipper, and while limited by a knee issue, his tactical acumen and finishing skills remain crucial. Youngster Ayush Mhatre impressed on debut, and CSK have also added South African power-hitter Dewald Brevis to bolster the middle order.

SRH, too, have been inconsistent. Their attack-heavy approach has misfired, and the usually destructive Travis Head-Abhishek Sharma duo hasn't clicked like last season.

While Sharma starred in a win over Punjab Kings, Head has yet to deliver. The over-reliance on their top order has exposed a fragile middle order-something head coach Daniel Vettori admitted after their recent loss to MI.

IPL Updates: Mendis guides SRH to 1st win at Chepauk

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