Anshul Kamboj backs CSK to chase 204 against LSG, eyes Purple Cap form
Synopsis
Anshul Kamboj, leading the Purple Cap race with 19 wickets, believes CSK can chase down LSG's 203 despite the side's poor record chasing 180-plus targets since 2019. With Chepauk offering bounce and CSK's bowlers executing a strong middle-overs comeback, the stage is set for a high-stakes pursuit that could define the playoff race.
Key Takeaways
Anshul Kamboj , IPL 2026 Purple Cap holder with 19 wickets in 11 games , backed CSK to chase LSG 's total of 203 .
Josh Inglis blazed 85 off 33 balls for LSG during the Power-play.
Jamie Overton took 3 for 36 and Noor Ahmad took 1 for 24 in CSK 's middle-overs fightback.
CSK have not successfully chased a target over 180 since 2019 .
A successful chase would take CSK to 12 points and boost their playoff prospects.
Anshul Kamboj, Chennai Super Kings' pace spearhead and IPL 2026 Purple Cap holder with 19 wickets in 11 games, backed his side to successfully hunt down Lucknow Super Giants' total of 203 on 10 May at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The right-arm pacer described the Chepauk pitch as "slightly slow but with good bounce," a condition he believes favours the chasing side.
Kamboj's assessment of the track
"It's quite a good wicket. It's a slightly slow wicket, but the bounce is good, and the ball is coming on nicely, so we can chase this," Kamboj told broadcasters at the innings break. He added that the pitch conditions were unlikely to deteriorate significantly through the innings, making the target of 203 within reach. "I think this score is chaseable," he concluded.
LSG's Power-play blitz and CSK's middle-overs fightback
Josh Inglis had set the tone for LSG with an explosive 85 off 33 balls during the Power-play, but CSK's bowling unit staged a strong comeback. Noor Ahmad (1 for 24) and Jamie Overton (3 for 36) applied the brakes in the middle overs, while Kamboj, despite conceding runs early, removed Mitchell Marsh and Himmat Singh to maintain pressure. His economy rate of 9.20 underscores the balance between aggression and control he has maintained across the tournament.
The bowling turnaround and Kamboj's tactical approach
Reflecting on the middle-overs recovery, Kamboj noted the importance of regrouping after a strong Power-play by the opposition. "When you go for runs in the first five overs, then maintaining control in the remaining phases and coming back well is important," he said. He also outlined his tactical thinking when operating around the wicket against right-handed batsmen: "That is genuinely my thinking. That helps me keep in mind whether the batter is moving around the crease."
CSK's chase record and playoff implications
CSK, the five-time IPL champions, have not successfully chased a target exceeding 180 since 2019—a streak that adds weight to the challenge ahead. However, a successful chase would propel them to 12 points and significantly strengthen their push for a playoff berth in what remains a tightly contested tournament.
Point of View
It signals a structural shift in their approach; if they fall short, it reinforces the pattern that has haunted them since 2019. The pitch assessment matters, but execution under pressure—especially in the final overs—will decide the game.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anshul Kamboj's Purple Cap tally in IPL 2026?
Anshul Kamboj holds the IPL 2026 Purple Cap with 19 wickets in 11 games at an average of 19.21 and an economy rate of 9.20. He took two wickets against LSG, removing Mitchell Marsh and Himmat Singh.
How much did Josh Inglis score for LSG?
Josh Inglis scored 85 runs off 33 balls for LSG during the Power-play, setting the foundation for their total of 203.
What is CSK's chase record against 180-plus targets?
CSK have not successfully chased a target exceeding 180 since 2019, a seven-year streak that adds context to the challenge they face in pursuing LSG's 203.
How many points will CSK earn if they win this match?
A successful chase will take CSK to 12 points, strengthening their push for a playoff spot in what remains a tightly contested IPL 2026 season.
What did Kamboj say about the Chepauk pitch?
Kamboj described the pitch as 'slightly slow but with good bounce,' adding that the ball is coming on nicely and the conditions should remain consistent throughout the innings, making the target chaseable.
