IPL 2026: ‘Smart and brilliant’ - Ambati Rayudu, Aaron Finch laud SRH youngsters after win over CSK

While Sunrisers Hyderabad grabbed a thrilling 10-run win over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, much of the spotlight went to Eshan Malinga and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, Aaron Finch and Ambati Rayudu were all praises for the young bowlers of SRH, especially Shivang Kumar and Sakib Hussain.  

The relatively inexperienced duo combined impressively, returning figures of 7-0-50-2 and playing a crucial role in halting CSK’s chase despite a blazing start in pursuit of 195 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad.

Shivang Kumar, introduced immediately after the powerplay, showcased remarkable control and game awareness. He conceded just seven runs in his first over, followed it up with an economical eight, and wrapped up his spell with a three-run over in the 12th.

“Smart bowling by Shivang, especially earlier on. We have been calling for bowlers to be brave in the middle overs, to toss it up there, lure batsmen to make a mistake, and that is a fantastic example of somebody doing that, being brave,” Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo after the game.

“I think he bowled a fantastic spell today. I think he was the difference in pulling the game back towards SRH. Otherwise, with the start that CSK had, they should have pushed through pretty easily,” he continued.

Speaking about the dismissal of Brevis, Aaron Finch highlighted the tactical brilliance behind the delivery and how the young spinner outsmarted the South African batter.

“He got it wide enough, didn’t he? had to reach for it. He was also on the back foot, Brevis. He was none of three, and he would have been like, ‘come on, I need to get away’. So smart bowling, understanding when to use it and how to use that variation of pace is really important to… he does that,” said Finch.

Sakib Hussain, who had impressed on debut in the previous game, continued his fine run with another composed performance. After conceding 13 runs in the powerplay, he tightened his lines in the middle overs, giving away just seven and six runs respectively, before delivering a decisive 17th over.

In that crucial phase, Sakib dismissed Shivam Dube, who was beginning to look dangerous at 21 off 15 balls and threatening to take the game away from SRH.