Varun Chakaravarthy's 3/36 and Raghuvanshi's Fifty Propel KKR to Seven-Wicket Win Over SRH

Key facts

• KKR beat SRH by 7 wickets with 10 balls remaining in Match 45 of IPL 2026.
• Varun Chakaravarthy took 3/36 from 4 overs and won Player of the Match.
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored a match-winning half-century, sharing an 84-run stand with Ajinkya Rahane (43).
• SRH were bowled out for 165 in 19 overs after being 107/2 at the halfway mark.
• KKR chased down 166, scoring 71 in the powerplay, led by Finn Allen's 29 off 13 balls.
• The match was played on May 3, 2026, at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad.
• SRH remain third in the points table; KKR keep playoff hopes alive with third consecutive win.
• Pat Cummins captained SRH; Ajinkya Rahane captained KKR.

A Tale of Two Halves: SRH Collapse After Strong Start

Sunrisers Hyderabad, after opting to bat first, raced to 107 for 2 at the halfway stage of their innings, with Travis Head leading the charge. The home side appeared set for a total in excess of 190, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose eight wickets for 48 runs, folding for 165 in 19 overs. The turnaround was orchestrated by KKR's spinners, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine striking at regular intervals. Chakaravarthy's figures of 3 for 36 from his four overs proved decisive, as he cramped the batters for room and prevented them from extending their arms. The pitch, drier than the usual Hyderabad surface, offered grip and turn, making strokeplay increasingly difficult.

KKR's Composed Chase Led by Raghuvanshi and Rahane

Chasing 166, KKR's openers Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane provided a brisk start, scoring 71 runs in the powerplay. Allen's 29 off 13 balls quickly settled any nerves. After Allen's dismissal, Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi took control, adding 84 runs for the second wicket. Raghuvanshi, the dominant partner, brought up a fine half-century, playing classical strokes. He fell just short of the finish, but by then KKR needed only a handful of runs. Rinku Singh finished the chase with a boundary off Eshan Malinga, sealing the win with 10 balls to spare. Rahane remained unbeaten on 43, anchoring the innings with composure.

Chakaravarthy's Resurgence and the Plan Against Head

Varun Chakaravarthy, who suffered a blow on the leg during the match, said the impact was merely pain and expects to be fully fit within three days. Reflecting on his return to form, he explained that spinners often struggle on flat wickets early in the season but find rhythm as surfaces wear. Against Travis Head, the plan was to cramp him for room and prevent him from freeing his arms. Ajinkya Rahane praised Chakaravarthy's confidence, work ethic, and attitude, highlighting his willingness to bowl tough overs consistently. Rahane also credited the support staff, including Dwayne Bravo and Tim Southee, for the bowling unit's collective improvement.

Cummins Admits Batting Failure After Strong Platform

SRH captain Pat Cummins acknowledged that the first 8-10 overs were excellent and the team handled matchups well, but they failed to execute in the latter part of the innings. He noted that the pitch was not the easiest to attack, but from the position of 107 for 2, they should have reached at least 180-190. 'Our batting has cost us this game, but it happens,' Cummins said. The defeat ended SRH's five-match winning streak, though they remain third in the standings. Cummins described the loss as a minor blip and stressed the need to move on quickly.

Raghuvanshi's Joy and the Road Ahead for Both Teams

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, named for his match-winning knock, expressed happiness at helping the side win. He acknowledged that he still has areas to improve, noting that his coach was unhappy with the manner of his dismissal. Raghuvanshi credited Rahane and Allen for setting a solid platform, making his job easier. 'It was my dream to play at this level, and that's why I will always have a smile on my face,' he said. SRH will remain at home to face Punjab Kings on Wednesday, May 6. KKR, buoyed by three consecutive wins, travel to Delhi to take on the Delhi Capitals on Friday, May 8. Rahane emphasized the importance of staying mentally fresh and praised the calm atmosphere in the camp even during their five-match losing streak earlier in the season.

KKR's Playoff Hopes Revived as SRH Look to Bounce Back

With this victory, KKR have kept their playoff hopes alive, climbing the points table after a disastrous start to the season. The team's resurgence has been built on disciplined bowling and composed batting, with spinners Chakaravarthy and Narine leading the way. Rahane believes that if KKR maintains this consistency, they are poised to make a serious impact in the competition. For SRH, the defeat serves as a wake-up call after a dominant run. Captain Cummins stressed that such setbacks happen, but the team must address the batting collapse that squandered a strong platform. The short-ball plan after the second timeout delayed the inevitable, but SRH simply did not put enough runs on the board. Both teams now face crucial fixtures that could define their playoff fates.

The bottom line

• Varun Chakaravarthy's 3/36 and Raghuvanshi's fifty were pivotal in KKR's seven-wicket win.
• SRH collapsed from 107/2 to 165 all out, losing eight wickets for 48 runs.
• KKR chased down 166 with 10 balls to spare, their third consecutive win.
• SRH's five-match winning streak ended; they remain third in the points table.
• KKR's playoff hopes stay alive; they face Delhi Capitals next on May 8.
• SRH will host Punjab Kings on May 6, aiming to bounce back quickly.