CSK vs KKR, IPL 2026: KKR slump continues as CSK tighten spin web at Chepauk

CSK vs KKR (Image: IPL)

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) IPL 2026 season continued to slip further as they suffered another defeat, going down to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 32 runs on April 14 in Chennai. After five games, KKR remain winless, with their only point coming from a washed-out clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Meanwhile, CSK seem to be finally finding momentum, registering back-to-back wins at Chepauk. Despite a few concerns in batting and some sloppy fielding, CSK’s bowlers – particularly the spinners – made KKR batters look completely clueless.

Mhatre’s explosive cameo; Ruturaj struggles continue

CSK posted 192/5 in 20 overs, but considering their start, they could have added more. In the powerplay, they raced to 72/2, scoring at 12 runs per over, largely thanks to youngster Ayush Mhatre. Batting at number three, Mhatre made full use of the field restrictions, smashing 38 off 17 balls at a strike-rate of 223.52. However, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor form continued, as he now has just 69 runs in his last seven IPL innings at a strike-rate of 103. Despite the strong start, CSK managed only 120 runs in the remaining 14 overs for the loss of three wickets.

KKR spinners and Kartik Tyagi pull things back

The pitch appeared slightly slow, with some grip for the bowlers. KKR’s spinners used it well by sticking to tight lines and not offering width. The trio of Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy conceded just 68 runs in 10 overs and picked up two wickets. Among the pacers, Kartik Tyagi stood out with figures of 2/35. He removed Sanju Samson (48 off 32) with sheer pace and later dismissed Dewald Brevis (41 off 29) with a clever wide line and a slower delivery. However, Vaibhav Arora and Cameron Green had another disappointing outing with the ball.

Clueless decisions as KKR batting falters again

KKR’s decision to send Sunil Narine (24 off 17) to open alongside Finn Allen did not pay off. Allen managed just one run and now has only 81 runs from five games. KKR never got going, managing just 36/2 in the powerplay, which pushed the required rate beyond 11.20 early on. Failures from skipper Ajinkya Rahane (28 off 22), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (27 off 19), and vice-captain Rinku Singh (six) worsened the situation.

A particularly questionable decision was sending Cameron Green out to bat at number six, where he registered a golden duck. A late 63-run partnership between Ramandeep Singh (35 off 23) and Rovman Powell (31* off 22) came far too late to influence the result.

CSK’s sloppy fielding but Noor, Akeal spin their web

CSK were not at their best in the field, dropping a few catches through Ruturaj, Brevis, and Sarfaraz Khan. However, their spin duo of Noor Ahmad (3/21) and Akeal Hosein (1/26) ensured those mistakes did not cost them. Together, they picked up four wickets in eight overs while conceding just 47 runs, reducing KKR to 90/6 in 12.5 overs and effectively sealing the game.

Brief scores: CSK 192/5 (Sanju Samson 48, Dewald Brevis 41; Kartik Tyagi 2/35) won against KKR 165/6 (Ramandeep Singh 35, Rovman Powell 31*; Noor Ahmad 3/21) by 32 runs.

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The post CSK vs KKR, IPL 2026: KKR slump continues as CSK tighten spin web at Chepauk appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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