IPL 2026: When Chepauk’s roar made Ian Bishop apologise on air during CSK vs PBKS match

Cricket matches in India are known to be noisy. But on Friday, the roar in Chennai was so intense that the presenter had to apologise. Here’s what really happened.

The incident occurred during the toss for the match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.

As Ruturaj Gaikwad stepped up to speak, the crowd noise was so overwhelming that his words were barely audible, leading to an awkward yet amusing delay.


Presenter Ian Bishop had to move closer to catch what Gaikwad was saying and eventually issued an on-air apology. “I don’t know how long this will take… let me come closer. I apologise to the cameras,” he said, before adding, “Sorry this is dragging because of the noise and cheering. I can’t hear you properly.”

The moment was a reminder of the electric support Chennai Super Kings enjoy at home.



Meanwhile, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first, citing a fresh surface and confidence from their previous win.

Gaikwad shed light on CSK’s approach, including his decision to open the innings. He said it aligns with the franchise’s philosophy and felt it was the best way to start alongside his chosen partner.

He also assessed the pitch, noting it appeared slightly dry and unlikely to change much. However, he flagged dew as a crucial factor later in the game, suggesting that putting runs on the board could still allow teams to defend totals.

Heading into the match, CSK are looking to recover from a heavy defeat in their opener, while PBKS aim to build on their winning momentum.