IPL 2026 | 'Was feeling blessed from above': Emotional Kishan reflects on his knock against CSK

Ishan Kishan (Pic: PTI)

Sunrisers Hyderabad produced an all-round performance to dent Chennai Super Kings' playoff hopes with a win in the ‘Southern Derby' in the Indian Premier League.

SRH chased down the target of 181 with five wickets and one over to spare to confirm their qualification for the playoffs.

Star batter Ishan Kishan emerged as the match-winner for the visitors, scoring 70 runs off 47 balls.

Speaking after the match, the left-handed batter admitted that the Chennai pitch was on the slower side, making batting difficult.

"I think, when I was wicketkeeping, I just felt like this wicket is not easy. I still felt chasing this total was going to be a bit too much because the wicket was not at all easy, especially when spinners were bowling and those slow balls were working out very well," Kishan said after the match.

Kishan further revealed that he was emotionally motivated by the presence of his family members in the stands and wanted to finish the game for them.

"Sometimes I feel it's also about motivation, and for me, my motivation was today, my cousin is just standing there. He lost his sister. It was a tough time in our family, and they are watching the match for the first time here. So I just wanted to finish the game for them, and I'm glad they were here to witness this innings, and I was able to finish this game. I was just feeling blessed from upstairs," he added.

With the win, SRH confirmed their place in the IPL playoffs. Following Hyderabad's victory, Gujarat Titans also qualified for the playoffs, joining already-qualified Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Cummins eyes bigger challenge ahead

SRH captain Pat Cummins expressed satisfaction over the team's qualification but said the real challenge begins in the playoffs.

He also credited Kishan for helping with leadership responsibilities during the early phase of the season.

"You're trying to give yourself a better chance than what we have. So, got one more game, hopefully gives us a chance for the top two, but either way, we're into the qualifying, and the real stuff starts now, so a lot of hard work. Ishan as well, captain for half of it, so he deserves a lot more credit for himself. Yeah, good feeling of this squad," Cummins said.

(With ANI inputs)