IPL Bulletin for April 26: From SRH Break Chepauk Jinx to CSK on Brink of Early Elimination & KKR Face PBKS

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) season 18 week five came to a close with joint-record champions Chennai Super Kings suffering another defeat to get closer to an early elimination from the IPL 2025 playoff race.

CSK in fact suffered their seventh loss of the season in nine outings and their fourth loss at their fortress - MA Chidambaram Stadium, which has often been breached this season with Sunrisers Hyderabad becoming the latest victors.

While the youngsters were the shining light for CSK, their old and experienced group continued to disappoint as SRH secured a crucial win to keep slim hopes of a playoff spot alive in Chennai, where a couple of standout performances stole the spotlight.

After a low-scoring contest at Chepauk, week six action opens with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders looking for a way back into the top four when they face playoff aspirants Punjab Kings on Saturday (April 26). Here is the IPL Bulletin for April 26:

Sunrisers Hyderabad end Chepauk hoodoo, stay alive in playoff race

After a winless record against CSK in their own backyard, SRH finally ended the jinx with their first win at Chepauk with the 5-wicket victory also keeping them mathematically still alive in the IPL 2025 playoff race.

With this win, SRH has jumped to number eight in the points table with three wins and six losses, giving them six points. On the other hand, CSK is at the bottom with two wins and seven losses, giving them just four points.

CSK's playoff hopes hang by thread after seventh loss of season

The five-time champions CSK, who were backed for a playoff qualification at the start of the season by many experts, continued to disappoint as they suffered their seventh loss in just nine outings with the result against SRH possibly putting them on the brink of an early exit.

CSK equal record for most loss at home in a season

Aside from the seven defeats overall, MS Dhoni's CSK saw their fortress being breached for the fourth time in five matches, equalling their previous record for most defeats at home in a single season with two more games remaining at Chepauk this campaign.

Harshal Patel bags player of the match after four-fer

The Indian pacer Harshal Patel, who had a mixed campaign so far, made good use of the Chepauk wicket with his variation of pace. The Haryana seamer finished with figures of 4 for 28 in his 4 overs. His scalps of Dewald Brevis, Sam Curran, Dhoni and Noor Ahmad saw him earn the man of the match.

Ambidextrous Kamindu Mendis puts in all-round display for SRH

Sri Lankan all-rounder Mendis showcased his ability of bowling in both arms, claiming the important wicket of Ravindra Jadeja when CSK were about to put on a fighting stand.

A few overs later, the ambidextrous Lankan star took a blinder of a catch diving at full length running wide of long off to dismiss the dangerous Brevis and changed the match in SRH's favour before scoring an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls to see his team home.

Ayush Mhatre & Dewald Brevis the positives for CSK

While the middle order struggled to get going, the knocks from young duo and replacement signings Ayush (30 off 19 balls) and Brevis (42 off 25 balls), who made his Super Kings debut, were the shining lights for CSK as the five-time champions look to the future.

KKR and PBKS clash in the only clash on Saturday

After a low-scoring thriller in the reverse fixture which set the record for lowest total defended in IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are set for round two at the Eden Gardens, where the two teams were involved in another record-breaking contest.

KKR will look to avenge the reverse fixture loss against PBKS, who also broke the record for the highest successful chase against the same opposition at the iconic venue in Kolkata. Both teams will eye for a win in Saturday's only contest with playoff race heating up.

Umran Malik joins KKR squad ahead of PBKS clash

Indian speedster Umran Malik linked up with KKR squad but will not be part of their playing group for the remainder of IPL 2025 as the Jammu & Kashmir ace quick continues his rehabilitation to be ready for the cricket season in the coming months.

Umran, who was bought for INR 75 lakh at last year's IPL auction, was ruled out of IPL 2025 due to an injury, with the defending champions roping in Saurashtra seamer Chetan Sakariya as his replacement for the season.