Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have finally managed to overcome their fielding struggles and straightaway dismantled a strong Lucknow Super Giants batting line-up after a flying start in the crucial IPL 2026 clash at the Chepauk Stadium.

Before this game, CSK had endured a terrible season in the field. From dropping crucial catches to leaking momentum in pressure situations, their poor fielding repeatedly hurt them in IPL 2026.

One of the biggest examples came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 5, when they dropped an important catch of Virat Kohli, which eventually proved costly. There were several other instances too like dropping Abhishek Sharma in clash against SRH, where he went on to score quick fifty. Missed opportunities against dangerous batters who went on to score impactful knocks.

Before this clash, CSK had already dropped 16 catches in IPL 2026 and possessed one of the worst catching efficiencies in the tournament.

However, in one of their most important games in the playoff race, the five-time champions looked like a completely transformed side on the field.

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Brilliant fielding shifts momentum towards CSK

LSG got off to a flying start with Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh attacking aggressively in the powerplay. But CSK’s sharp fielding suddenly brought them back into the game.

Dewald Brevis produced a sensational boundary catch to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, while substitute fielder Sarfaraz Khan judged a high catch perfectly under the sun to remove Nicholas Pooran. Soon after, Sanju Samson completed a sharp diving catch behind the stumps to send back Josh Inglis.

But the most sensational fielding moment came with the run out of Aiden Markram. Attempting a risky second run, Markram found himself struggling to get back as Dewald Brevis charged in from deep midwicket, picked the ball quickly and fired a direct hit at the bowler’s end with a rocket throw. Markram was caught well short of the crease as LSG’s collapse worsened dramatically.

The wickets completely shifted the momentum as LSG collapsed from 77 without loss to 130/5 in 12.1 overs.

At one stage, Lucknow looked set for a massive 240-plus total. However, CSK’s fielding effort and disciplined bowling pulled things back brilliantly, with a total around 200-210 suddenly looking more realistic.

For a side that has struggled badly in the field throughout IPL 2026, this turned out to be one of CSK’s best all-round fielding performances of the season.