A deeply emotional night unfolded at Wankhede Stadium as Chennai Super Kings recorded a huge 103-run victory over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, dedicating the win to teammate Mukesh Choudhary. Choudhary had returned to play despite the recent passing of his mother, and the CSK squad marked the occasion with black armbands before and during the match.
Quick facts
- Match: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2026
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium
- Result: CSK won by 103 runs
- Tribute: CSK players wore black armbands for Mukesh Choudhary
- Dedication: CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated the win to Mukesh Choudhary
- Mukesh’s figures: 1/31, removing Quinton de Kock early
- CSK batting: 207/6, powered by Sanju Samson’s 101* (unbeaten)
- Mumbai’s total: 104 all out
Gaikwad praises Mukesh’s courage
Ruturaj Gaikwad looked visibly moved when he spoke about Mukesh’s mindset and his decision to take the field under emotional strain. He said it was “pretty tough” for Mukesh, stressing that the effort required immense mental strength.
Gaikwad added that Mukesh returned for the team and the franchise because he understood they needed him, while also noting how the entire group wanted to support him in that moment. He reiterated that the victory should be seen as a tribute, saying he would dedicate it to Mukesh and that everyone contributed to making the day count.
On the field, Mukesh backed up the sentiment with a disciplined spell of 1/31. He struck early to dismiss Quinton de Kock, providing CSK with the breakthrough that helped shape a dominant run of play for the franchise.
CSK’s plan and the Samson impact
Gaikwad also reflected on how Chennai’s innings was framed from the start, revealing that the call to bat first came naturally. He explained that he was unsure at the toss—thinking it could go either way—but felt his instincts pointed toward batting first because the surface had some green and also some dryness.
He said CSK needed to gauge conditions in the opening overs, mentioning conversations with Sanju Samson as they assessed how things were playing. Their target, as Gaikwad described it, was around the 200 mark if the pitch allowed it.
That plan landed perfectly. Sanju Samson struck a “magnificent” unbeaten 101 to drive CSK to 207/6, giving the team a platform that looked even stronger as the chase unfolded. Gaikwad highlighted that Samson was in excellent form and that contributions came across the batting order, adding that even the quick bursts in the later phases mattered.
He then turned to the bowling performance, praising the way Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad delivered when it mattered. Gaikwad said CSK’s bowling had been improving from earlier matches, and suggested the side was beginning to “click” as a unit.
The spinners led the charge as Mumbai Indians were shot out for 104, sealing the emphatic win and extending CSK’s momentum into another memorable chapter of IPL 2026.
