Chennai crowd turns up volume in first home game, delays CSK captain's toss interview

CSK vs PBKS: The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was at its noisiest best in Chennai Super Kings' first home game on April 3. The noise was so loud that Ruturaj Gaikwad's toss interview was stopped by broadcaster Ian Bishop.

In Short

• Chennai Super Kings are playing Punjab Kings in Chepauk
• The Chennai crowd gave a tremendous reception to their captain
• The noise was so loud that the toss interview had to be put on hold

Chennai Super Kings fans turned up in numbers at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, April 3, for their first home game of the Indian Premier League's 2026 season. At the toss, when broadcaster Ian Bishop was set to interview CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Chennai crowd gave a tremendous reception to their leader.

The noise when Ruturaj took the mic was so loud that Bishop was forced to halt the interview with the CSK captain. Gaikwad took a pause, soaked in the atmosphere, and then attempted to reply to Bishop's question.

| IPL 2026: CSK vs PBKS Updates, Scorecard |

Even after the noise dropped to around 30 per cent of what it was originally, the stadium was still loud enough for Bishop to struggle to hear Gaikwad. The commentator pulled the CSK captain closer and apologised, stating that he could not hear a thing Gaikwad was saying.

Bishop asked the captain what he thought of the pitch, given Punjab Kings had won the toss and sent CSK in to bat first.

"Well, I think, you know, for me it looks a bit on the drier side. And I don't think it will change too much. More often than not, it will remain the same. And, you know, it's the early part of April, so I don't think dew will be a key factor in the second innings. So I think runs on the board and definitely you can depend on this track," Ruturaj Gaikwad said after the delay.

Gaikwad mentioned that CSK had made one change to their line-up for their first home game, with Prashant Veer replacing Matt Henry.

CSK LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

Chennai Super Kings will be looking to bounce back after their horror show against Rajasthan Royals in their season opener. CSK played RR in Guwahati and faltered with the bat straightaway. Playing against Riyan Parag's side, CSK were bowled out for just 127 runs, a total Rajasthan chased down in just 12.1 overs, courtesy of a whirlwind knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Chennai have reinforced their side with some young guns. Ayush Mhatre, Prashant Veer, Kartuk Sharma, and Dewald Brevis are some of the stars that CSK are banking on this season.

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