Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered another major loss in their Indian Premier league (IPL) 2026 campaign, failing to defend modest 188 runs against Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday, May 15 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
LSG managed to secure a commanding seven-wicket win over the five-time IPL champions. It was Mitchell Marsh's astonishing knock of 90 runs off 38, which included nine fours and seven sixes. While Nicholas Pooran also played a quick fire 32 off 17 which made the chase very easy for the Lucknow-based franchise.
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Michael Hussey remains unfazed after loss vs CSK
At the post-game press conference, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said he personally loves the fag end of the tournament, as every game feels like a final.
“Well, I mean, I actually love this time of the tournament because every game is like a final, you know, and we’re in that situation now," Said Michael Hussey.
While reflecting on the qualification scenario, Michael Hussey admitted that he hasn't studied the points table well, but made sure that the Yellow Army will secure wins in the rest of the matches.
"We’re going to have to win our last two matches. I mean, I haven’t studied the table that closely. Yeah, there’s a lot of teams fighting out for probably the last couple of spots in the top four," said Hussey.
"This is the stage of the tournament where the pressure is really on everyone, not just us, but all the other teams as well. And you can see some crazy things happen. So we’re still in with a chance… we still have belief that we can make it through," added Hussey.
While assuring that CSK would win the last two games in the league stage, Hussey admitted that there are a couple of results that would decide the yellow Army's fate in the tournament, saying it feels like a nice climax.
"We’re obviously going to have to take care of our business. Probably need a couple of results to go our way as well. But that’s the nature of this tournament. And I feel like it’s really building to a really nice climax," said Hussey.
Next step for CSK
After enduring a tough loss vs LSG, CSK will look to secure a win in their upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The clash will be significant for the Yellow Army, as a win could make sure their presence in the race to playoffs.