In light of the ongoing developments in West Asia, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to hold off on making any changes at the next monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting next week (April 6-8), according to SBI Report.

The RBI would be far more cautious in expressing its stance, being the first policy since the beginning of the US-Israel and Iran war.

According to the study, the Central Bank has to “concomitantly explore the probability of conducting Operation Twist,” which raises the short-term yield while calming the yield on long-term papers and ensuring that various reference rates remain within the prescribed bands, in line with the policy rate in a measured manner, all while tackling the balance of payment deficit through carefully thought-out measures.

The entire planet has been thrown into disarray by a war in West Asia that has been ongoing since the previous policy.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the damage to regional infrastructure have caused the worst disturbance to the world oil market in its history since 1973.

“Clearly, India is experiencing the rising temperatures and is not unaffected by the present crisis. Crude oil prices are stubbornly over $100 per barrel, and the rupee is already trading at over 93 per dollar, which has caused imported inflation to rise in many states. “In addition to the projection of ‘Super El Nino’, this may also raise inflationary pressures,” stated Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor for the State Bank of India.

The RBI has made a number of announcements aimed at controlling speculation in both the onshore and offshore NDF markets, concerned about the increase in the rupee’s gravitational pull during the ongoing conflict.

Nonetheless, certain norms might provide practical difficulties for banks.

The report noted that the current CPI trajectory may point to inflation of more than 4. 5% for the next three quarters, even if the projections for FY27 are far below the RBI’s target range.

Nevertheless, Dr. Ghosh said, “the government’s recent choice for full customs duty exemption on a wide range of critical petrochemical products until June 30, 2026 may lower input costs and hence may have benign impact on imported inflation. ”

Given the current volatility in rupee and yield, the SBI economist said, “we believe the liquidity should be modulated to ensure rupee also gets support”.

The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by a score of 43 runs in their IPL 2026 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday thanks to a dominating batting performance by Tim David, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s astute spell of 3-41.

Padikkal’s smooth 50 off 29 deliveries—his second straight half-century of the season—laid the groundwork for the formidable total as David’s 70 not out off only 25 deliveries and Patidar’s undefeated 48 off just 19 balls helped RCB’s batting lineup obliterate CSK’s attack with relentless hitting in the marquee match.

RCB’s formidable 250/3, which established a new record for the highest total in IPL 2026, was brought about by the trio’s combined effort, which included an unbroken 99-run stand between David and Patidar, who engaged in mind-blowing range-hitting, off of just 35 balls.

In the penultimate over, David unleashed a spectacular David by hitting Jamie Overton for four sixes and a four to reach his second IPL half-century in just 21 balls, after hitting Noor Ahmad for three straight sixes. Even Virat Kohli had been moved to get up from his chair in the RCB dugout by his powerful hitting.

In response, CSK collapsed under the weight of the scoreboard, with Sarfaraz Khan’s 50 off 24 balls and Prashant Veer’s 43 being the only examples of defiance in the face of a series of top-order failures.

In IPL, Bhuvneshwar was at his disciplined best and even surpassed the 200-wicket milestone, with others contributing as well as CSK was bowled out for 207 in 19. 4 overs. For the first time in the IPL’s history, the convincing victory also signified that RCB has won four straight matches against CSK.

Following being placed into bat first, RCB started off cautiously, with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli handling the initial swing from Khaleel Ahmed and Matt Henry. In the fourth over, Kohli broke free of his restraints, hitting Henry for a six and two boundaries, but he was soon caught by Shivam Dube, who had missed an earlier opportunity, off Anshul Kamboj for 28 runs off 18 balls.

After a difficult start, Salt discovered a rhythm with pulls and slog-sweeps, sprinting to 46 off 30 before Dube dismissed him in the 11th over. After being dropped once at cover by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Padikkal changed his strategy in the middle overs.

He raised his bat to the cheering and boisterous Chinnaswamy audience after scoring two sixes and three fours off Dube and Henry to reach his second straight half-century. His innings ended with Jamie Overton’s delivery of 50 runs off 29 balls in the 15th over, when he attempted a lap stroke.

Patidar and David launched an amazing counterattack, leaving many people in amazement of it, from 151/3 in 14. 1 overs. In the 17th over, David targeted Noor Ahmad, hitting three straight sixes – two over deep mid-wicket and one over long-off – while Patidar struck Khaleel for two sixes and a four.

David was yorked, according to Kamboj, but a step over resulted in a free hit, which David slammed for another maximum. With an astounding 97 runs coming off the final five overs, Overton took the brunt in the nineteenth over, giving up 30 runs as David smashed four sixes and a four to reach his half-century in 21 balls, with a towering 106-meter maximum going over the stadium’s roof.

As Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed by Jacob Duffy and Ayush Mhatre was taken out for a bargain price by Bhuvneshwar, who claimed his 200th IPL wicket, CSK’s chase got off to a shaky start. Sarfaraz responded with a torrent of fours and sixes against Duffy, Bhuvneshwar, and Abhinandan Singh to reach fifty in just 24 balls after Duffy rejected Sanju Samson.

In the seventh over, however, his dismissal to Krunal Pandya, who also dismissed Kartik Sharma, left CSK reeling at 84/5. Veer and Jamie Overton teamed up for a lively 57-run partnership after Abhinandan ended Shivam Dube’s vigil.

Overton’s 37 off 16 balls and Veer’s 43 off 29 balls, respectively, were ended by Bhuvneshwar and Suyash Sharma. In a match that failed to live up to its excitement, Bhuvneshwar and Abhinandan dismissed Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj, securing a fantastic victory for RCB.

Brief Scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 250/3 in 20 overs (Tim David 70 not out, Devdutt Padikkal 50; Shivam Dube 1-30, Jamie Overton 1-42)
Chennai Super Kings 207 in 19.4 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 50, Prashant Veer 43; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-41, Abhinandan Singh 2-30)

The producers of director Rahul Sankrityan’s highly anticipated historical drama ‘Ranabaali,’ which stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in the key roles, have now revealed that the film unit completed a significant schedule in Rayalaseema.

The announcement was made on the X timeline of Mythri Movie Makers, the film’s production company. The video also showed the actors receiving a warm welcome in the area.

‘MAA SEEMA RAAYALASEEMA‘ was written by Mythri Movie Makers. All of Rayalaseema’s affection went to the Ranabaali couple. The group finished a crucial schedule in the area. The global premiere of Ranabaali occurred on September 11.

Vijay Deverakonda is seen speaking to a crowd of followers in the video snippet that was made available. It feels like returning to my hometown, he says. Anantapur seems like my second home when I’m here for the filming. I constantly have a seema sensation within me.

In the film, Rashmika Mandanna portrays his wife Jayamma, and Vijay Deverakonda portrays Ranabaali for the uninitiated. Sir Theodore Hector, the antagonist, is portrayed by Arnold Vosloo, who is most famous for his role in ‘The Mummy’.

Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar are producing “Ranabaali” on a massive scale, and T-Series is releasing the film. The film, which is being produced as a period action drama, is set during the British era.

The movie, which is set in the 19th century and is being produced as a huge pan-India effort, is based on actual historical events that occurred between 1854 and 1878.

According to some sources, the events in “Ranabaali” are based on real events from the 1850s that were not included in mainstream history texts. According to them, the movie will be set between 1850 and 1900 and will attempt to highlight events that the British historically misrepresented.

According to sources, Ranabaali will be a cinematic depiction of an era based on numerous real accounts, oral histories, and repressed documents, rather than a textbook summary or a biography.

‘Ranabaali’ will be the third movie in which Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna play a couple, following ‘Geetha Govindam‘ and ‘Dear Comrade‘.

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas stated on Saturday that there are still 17 Indian-flagged ships sailing in the western Persian Gulf area with about 460 Indian seafarers on board.

Additionally, the government stated that appropriate measures are in place to protect their safety as maritime conditions change.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways claims that it is carefully monitoring ship movements, port activities, and the safety of Indian sailors while simultaneously guaranteeing uninterrupted maritime trade.

The ministry claims that all Indian seafarers in the area are safe and that there have been no reports of incidents involving ships flying the Indian flag in the last 24 hours.

Additionally, it stated that the Green Sanvi, an LPG ship carrying 46,650 metric tons of LPG cargo and 25 seamen, had successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

In the western Persian Gulf area, there are still 17 Indian-flagged ships, and the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with Indian Missions, RPSL agencies, and ship owners.

Since it went live, the DG Shipping Control Room has answered 5,015 calls and 10,425 emails, and it is still open around the clock. Over the course of the past 24 hours, it has received 31 phone calls and 129 emails.

According to the government, the Directorate has also helped more than 1,320 Indian sailors return safely thus far, including 190 in the last 24 hours from airports and various regional locations throughout the Gulf.

India’s port operations are still running smoothly, with no congestion reported. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry’s State Maritime Boards have all attested to their effective operation.

Additionally, the ministry said it is working with Indian missions, the Ministry of External Affairs, and other marine stakeholders to safeguard seafarer welfare and maintain maritime operations.

In the midst of worldwide uncertainties, the government is intensifying its efforts to reduce any interruption to gasoline supply chains.

As the government increases its efforts, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), the state-run oil marketing company (OMC), assured on Saturday that there are enough supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG throughout the nation.

The PSU company stated that it is closely monitoring its nationwide distribution network and taking the necessary measures to stop the illegal hoarding and sale of LPG cylinders.

The firm issued a public warning on X, urging consumers not to engage in panic purchasing or make needless LPG reservations, highlighting that despite worries brought on by tensions in West Asia and disruptions around important shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, supply chains remain stable.

We at IndianOil are dedicated to making sure there is enough petrol, diesel, and LPG available throughout the nation. According to the post, the firm is taking the necessary steps to stop the hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders by constantly monitoring the supply chain.

The promise comes at a time when there are worries about potential interruptions in the global oil supply caused by increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Indian refiners have actively obtained crude oil supplies for the next months, according to authorities, thereby guaranteeing the continuity of the availability of fuel on the local market.

According to authorities, refiners may also choose to purchase crude from a variety of geographic locations for business reasons, which will lessen the effects of global volatility.

India has lately imported a shipment of LPG from Iran, according to the oil ministry, which has arrived in the western port city of Mangalore and is now being unloaded.

Despite organized efforts to guarantee smooth distribution and avoid any manufactured shortages, the authorities insisted that the supply of fuel for domestic use remains steady.

In addition, in order to refute disinformation and allay public concerns about the availability and distribution of LPG, 21 states and Union Territories are holding press briefings.

In addition to the timely dissemination of reliable information via social and electronic media, the government has instructed the Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs to increase proactive public communication, such as daily press conferences at senior levels.

Additionally, on presentation of a valid ID, OMCs provide 5-kg LPG cylinders at petrol pumps and distributors without needing proof of address.

You may buy the 5-kg FTL cylinders by producing any acceptable identification at the local LPG dealership. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that there is no need for address verification.

Over 71,000 of these cylinders were sold in one day recently, and about 5. 7 lakh have been sold overall since March 23.

In a nail-biting match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, the Rajasthan Royals defeated the Gujarat Titans by a thrilling six runs thanks to a spectacular last over from pacer Tushar Deshpande.

Riding on excellent half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajasthan scored a respectable 210/6 in 20 overs after choosing to bat first. Sai Sudharsan’s superb innings led Gujarat’s chase, but the hosts narrowly missed out despite a late push from Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada.

During the Power-play, Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi exerted pressure on the Gujarat bowlers, propelling Rajasthan, who had won the toss and opted to bat, to a strong start. Jaiswal was hitting well through the off side as the pair raced to 69/0 in six overs. In the end, Rashid knocked off Sooryavanshi for a quick 31 off 18 deliveries, breaking the stand.

Before being caught by Rabada for 55 runs off 36 balls, Jaiswal maintained the momentum and reached a well-timed fifty.

With a few wickets falling, Rajasthan momentarily lost steam, but Jurel made sure the innings kept moving forward.

With five fours and five sixes, the wicketkeeper-batsman hit 75 off 42 balls in the closing overs, having paced his innings well. Rajasthan’s score exceeded 200 thanks to cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and the middle-order hitters.

As Kumar Kushagra made his debut and started the innings with Sudharsan, GT were without their usual captain, Shubman Gill, who was sidelined for the game due to a muscular spasm.

The pair established a solid start, reaching 56 without loss in the power play, while they were chasing 211. Sudharsan appeared to be in great form, hitting the ball cleanly against both speed and spin. The opening stand came to an end when Kushagra was caught at long-on by Riyan Parag after scoring a useful 18 off 14 deliveries.

Gujarat was still well behind, thanks to Sudharsan’s continued domination and smooth half-century. With a brilliant four-wicket haul that gave him his best stats of the competition, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi led Rajasthan to fight back and flip the game. Sudharsan’s magnificent 73 off 44 balls saw him eliminate the threat of Bishnoi before quickly taking out Washington Sundar and Glenn Phillips.

Gujarat went from a commanding position to 133/5 as wickets continued to fall, and the heat increased as Jos Buttler was caught by Nandre Burger.

Rashid and Rabada launched a surprising counterattack at the moment when Rajasthan seemed to have the upper hand. With aggressive hitting, the pair, who shared a 43-run partnership, scored quick runs, including a massive six from Rabada and a few astute boundaries from Rashid, which drastically changed the game.

RR captain Parag gave Deshpande the responsibility of getting the 11 runs that were needed in the last over. The pacer performed admirably under extreme pressure, consistently hitting his yorkers and keeping the batsmen at bay.

The turning point occurred when Rashid tried a long shot but was intercepted by Jofra Archer in the deep, giving Gujarat an excessive amount to accomplish.

In the end, what was the first nail-biter of the season came down to Deshpande, who only allowed four runs in the last over to give Rajasthan an exciting victory.

Brief scores:
Rajasthan Royals 210/6 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 75, Yashasvi Jaiswal 55; Kagiso Rabada 2-42)
Gujarat Titans 204/8 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 73, Jos Buttler 26; Ravi Bishnoi 4-41, Tushar Deshpande 1-24)

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced on Friday that world food commodity prices rose for the second consecutive month in March, primarily due to higher energy prices driven by the escalation of the conflict in West Asia.

The average value of the FAO Food Price Index, which monitors monthly fluctuations in the global prices of a selection of internationally traded food products, was 128. 5 points in March, representing a 2. 4% increase from February and a 1. 0% increase over the previous year.

According to FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero, price increases since the start of the conflict have been small, mostly caused by higher oil prices, and mitigated by abundant global cereal stocks.

“However, if the conflict lasts more than 40 days with high input costs and current low margins, farmers will have to choose between farming the same with fewer inputs, planting less, or switching to less intensive fertilizer crops. Those decisions will have an impact on future yields as well as influence the cost of our food supply and commodities throughout the remainder of this year and the whole of next year,” Torero said.

Higher global wheat prices, which rose 4. 3% due to drought-related deterioration of crop prospects in the United States of America and expectations of reduced plantings in Australia due to higher fertilizer costs, were the main factor behind the 1. 5% increase in the FAO Cereal Price Index from the previous month.

Concerns about fertilizer affordability and indirect support from increased ethanol demand prospects connected to rising energy prices were countered by abundant global availability, which led to a minor increase in maize prices globally.

Due to harvest timing, lower import demand, and currency depreciations versus the US dollar, the FAO All-Rice Price Index fell 3. 0% in March.

From February, the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose 5. 1% to be 13. 2% higher than its level a year earlier. The surge in crude oil prices caused by spillover effects and catalyzed expectations of increased biofuel demand are mirrored in the rise in international prices for palm, soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed oil.

Due to rising pig meat prices in the European Union in anticipation of growing seasonal demand, as well as rising global bovine meat prices, particularly in Brazil, where tight cattle availability restricted exportable supplies, the FAO Meat Price Index increased by 1. 0% from the previous month.

Due to logistical difficulties restricting market access in the Near East, the cost of poultry and ovine meat decreased.

In March, the Sugar Price Index rose by 7. 2% and the FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1. 2%.

A generally favorable global supply outlook for the current season, supported by excellent harvest progress in India and Thailand, was offset by increased expectations that Brazil, the major sugar exporter, would use more sugarcane to make ethanol in order to combat rising international crude oil prices.

FAO predicts a 1. 7% decline in global wheat production this year to 820 million tons, as most of the world’s wheat crop has already been planted.

The cast and crew of the online series “Panchayat” have begun production on the fifth season. The creators of the show celebrated its sixth anniversary on Instagram on Friday and formally announced the start of production for the series’ highly anticipated fifth season.

The post includes behind-the-scenes footage as well as screenshots from the program. “6 years of being in Phulera and never wanting to leave,” they penned in the caption. “PanchayatOnPrime, New Season, Now Filming“.

Since its premiere in 2020, Panchayat has consistently gained popularity and established itself as one of the most cherished shows in India, winning audiences over over several seasons. Audiences were especially enthralled by Season 4.

Fans have been impatiently anticipating a return to their beloved Phulera after the dramatic cliffhanger in Season 4.

With Sachiv Ji strategizing his next move after getting his CAT results, Manju Devi reeling from the sting of defeat in the Panchayat elections, and Pradhan Ji visibly shaken by the outcome, the previous season came to a close.

With twists and turns sprinkled with Phulera-style humor, drama, and genuine moments, Season 5 is prepared to continue exactly from this tense point.

Panchayat Season 5, which is produced by The Viral Fever, written by Chandan Kumar, and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, is the work of Deepak Kumar Mishra & Chandan Kumar. The popular cast of Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha is brought back by the season.

The series not only solidifies its connection with viewers with each new season, but also draws them further into the world of Phulera gaon, the fictitious little hamlet in the heart of India that has become a global cultural sensation.

Prime Video will host the debut of the popular show’s new season.

In light of the supply chain interruptions caused by the Iran war, a meeting was held on Friday among top government officials, including the Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Power Secretary, and the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), to explore ways to increase the domestic production of induction heaters and cooking utensils in order to reduce the usage of cooking gas consumption, according to official sources.

Since the start of the West Asia crisis, there has been a surge in demand for induction heaters and other electrical items. India needs to be ready for any problems that may arise if the war lasts for more than a few months, a top official said.

The meeting to assess the situation occurs as officials get ready for a prolonged struggle and evaluate the effects of the disruptions to the importation of oil, gas, and petrochemical products. To address supply issues and alleviate cost pressures, the government has already cut import tariffs on a number of petrochemical items.

The government’s priority, according to sources, is to guarantee the availability of essential items and lessen reliance on imports in the face of the worldwide uncertainties brought about by the Middle East war.

The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s energy supply passes, has hampered oil imports from the Middle East. This has been compounded by damage to vital energy infrastructure, such as a significant liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar, which has heightened the uncertainty surrounding these imports.

In order to make up for the gap in imports, India has diversified its oil imports and is now purchasing more crude from Russia and African nations like Nigeria and Angola. In addition to the United States, Indian oil businesses are also getting gas from other sources.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said in a national address that the US military will strike Iran very hard for the following two or three weeks, adding to the ambiguity around the situation in the Middle East. According to him, the US would restore them to their rightful place in the Stone Age.

“There was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East back then,” Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, said hours later on X.

The threat has been reiterated by Trump as the conflict has entered its second month and the deployment of US troops in the area has persisted. Iran has also turned down reports of ceasefire talks and a 15-point peace plan, describing it as “exceedingly maximalist and unreasonable. “

The Punjab Kings defeated the Chennai Super Kings by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, thanks to skipper Shreyas Iyer’s fifty and Priyansh Arya’s opening blitz of 39 runs off 11 balls, giving them their second victory in the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

With a strong beginning that set the tone for the Punjab Kings’ pursuit of 210 against the Chennai Super Kings, Priyansh Arya kicked off the chase. Arya, who was brought in as a replacement, made his goals plain.

From the start, he went after Khaleel Ahmed. His entrance was distinguished by a forceful six over midwicket and a sharp, direct four. Although Khaleel was able to make some progress against Prabhsimran Singh, he nonetheless allowed 14 runs in the opening over.

Arya assaulted Matt Henry in the second over, scoring 4, 6, and 4 to get 25 runs in only six deliveries. There was no respite. Arya had already accumulated 27 runs off eight balls, easily locating the boundary, when PBKS reached their fifty in an amazing 3. 2 overs. This was a daring and contemporary approach to T20.

He went all out in the power play to take control of the chase after seeing a target of more than 200. Even if his 39 off 11 at a strike rate of 355 wasn’t enough to win the game on its own, it did show what it means to be an aggressive opener in modern cricket: deal as much damage as possible early on and set a foundation.

Prabhsimran maintained the momentum on the other end, but CSK attempted to seize control by introducing Noor Ahmad as an impact bowler and Rahul Chahar as a spin bowler. But PBKS continued to press, with Cooper Connolly displaying intent against spin.

But at a crucial moment, when Shreyas Iyer strode confidently to the crease with a chance to score, a pricey error on a low-risk second call cost PBKS their momentum. Sarfaraz Khan made a superb backup play and tossed a precise throw to the non-striker’s end to get Prabhsimran (43) out after Connolly brought him back, while Noor Ahmad raced from midwicket to intercept the ball.

From a full toss that he was unable to fully get beyond mid-off, Conolly holed out. He will regret that lost opportunity throughout the lengthy journey home. Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera are still at the crease for PBKS, who need 83 runs off 49 balls to stabilize the chase.

In contrast, CSK’s spin options are few. They are ahead of Rahul Chahar by two and Noor Ahmad by one. Following that, it will be the pacers’ responsibility to complete the task since they have been giving up runs throughout the night.

Chennai Super Kings scored 209/5 thanks to late cameos from Sarfaraz Khan (32 off 12) and Shivam Dube (45 off 27), who were accompanied by Ayush Mhatre’s outstanding 73 off 43.

Sanju Samson (7) once again succumbed early in CSK’s innings, highlighting his difficulties with movement. In the face of the early setbacks, Mhatre took command, demonstrating excellent intent and readiness, particularly against short pitches.

After perfecting his pull shot, he went on to defeat the pacers, hitting five sixes and four fours to reach 59 off 32 balls in nine overs.

Despite Mhatre’s dominance, Ruturaj Gaikwad (28 off 22) had trouble getting things moving, and he fell at a moment when CSK needed it most. Despite the Power-play, Mhatre persisted in setting the agenda by deftly using clever positioning and rapid modifications to combat the wide yorker plan.

His termination turned out to be a pivotal moment. Mhatre had scored 73 of those runs—almost 60%—at 123, demonstrating CSK’s excessive reliance on him, as the remainder of the batting lineup only managed to score 38 runs off 32 balls, with 12 extras.

Then, with an imaginative cameo using ramps and skillful touches to combat pace and yorkers, Sarfaraz injected late momentum, hitting at 266. Despite his early challenges, Dube persevered and maintained a calm, unbroken 45 to anchor the death overs.

With 209/5, CSK also recorded their first 200-plus score at Chepauk since April 2024, indicating a comeback to their prolific run-scoring peak.

Shreyas Iyer maintained perfect composure during his innings, seamlessly switching between 4 off 5 and 50 off 26. As the captain of the PBKS, he maintained control of the situation by selecting his pitches with care and ensuring that the chase remained on track. But Iyer was playing exceptionally well, and everything appeared to be going in PBKS’ direction.

However, CSK responded by taking Iyer out and having Nehal Wadhera shift the momentum back in their favor with two wickets off successive deliveries.

But as PBKS ended the game, winning by five wickets, Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis made sure there were no further hiccups.

Brief scores:
Chennai Super Kings 209/5 in 20 overs (Ayush Mhatre 73, Shivam Dube 45 not out; Vyshak Vijaykumar 2-38, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-21)
Punjab Kings 210/5 in 18.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 50, Prabhsimran Singh 43, Priyansh Arya 39; Matt Henry 2-54, Anshul Kamboj 2-47)