After RCB qualified for IPL 2026 playoffs, former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reflected on playoff race among remaining teams. Commenting on SRH-CSK clash on May 18, he said, "Pitch number five...at Chepauk is a straight shoot out between SRH and CSK." Ashwin added, "What used to be 'MRC Nagar Derby' will be more than just an area battle in Chennai."