What do you do when Jasprit Bumrah fires in a flat, blazing full toss aimed at leg stump? Most batters flinch or miss. Some manage to guide it behind square—just enough to steal a boundary. Last night, Sanju Samson shifted across and scooped it late towards fine leg, nearly sending it over the ropes.
Last night in five lines
- CSK beat MI in a one-sided contest at Wankhede.
- Sanju Samson struck a 54-ball century, his second ton of the season.
- Akeal Hosein produced 4 for 17, including two Powerplay breakthroughs.
- MI managed only 104 all out; just two batters reached double figures.
- MI suffered their third straight defeat at Wankhede, their first such run, and their biggest home loss by runs.
In the end, it was nothing like a close call. CSK cruised to a dominant win at Wankhede as Samson carried his form forward with another hundred—his first against MI in the IPL by a CSK batter. The innings looked even more imposing once Akeal Hosein began to dismantle the MI top order early, backed by a Powerplay spell that ensured MI rarely settled.
CSK posted 207 for 6, and Hosein’s figures—4 for 17—did the heavy lifting. He struck twice during the Powerplay, turning the opening overs into a decisive phase rather than a mere start. MI, meanwhile, struggled to build any momentum and were dismissed for just 104. Only two MI batters got into double digits, underlining how thoroughly CSK controlled the tempo.
Injury scare, then the usual rivalry heat
There was drama in the field as Mitchell Santner appeared to injure his left (bowling) shoulder while taking a low, diving catch. He indicated the discomfort as he walked off, and he was later replaced by Shardul Thakur after a concussion check. The moment added fuel to the MI–CSK backdrop, as tensions flared in the familiar fashion.
Pulse awards
The “not-el-classico” tag goes to the MI–CSK clash for quietly moving past the idea of a classic battle. CSK have now won five of their last six meetings, and last night’s result only reinforced the trend.
The “peek-a-boo” award lands with Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad, for turning celebrations into a game of hide-and-seek—same intent, different angles, and a crowd-pleasing burst each time the ball struck. It was the kind of chemistry that makes a chase feel inevitable before the innings even ends.
Talking point: Hosein’s extra gear at the start
Akeal Hosein’s role as an additional bowling option proved decisive as CSK dismantled MI. The left-arm spinner produced a rare Powerplay wicket-maiden, only the third such feat by a spinner in the IPL since 2020. That early breakthrough sequence effectively set up MI’s worst-ever defeat.
The deeper reason is how Hosein’s overs are distributed. Since 2023, 51.9% of his deliveries have come in the Powerplay, where he has taken 74 wickets—the most among spinners, with the next best tally sitting at 55. In T20 cricket overall, he has also bowled the first over in 139 of 260 innings, pointing to how often he gets entrusted with the new ball and the earliest risk moments. With CSK conceding 10.27 in the Powerplay before this match, his immediate impact strengthens the argument for a steady spot in the opening bowling mix.
Who’s saying what
Hosein explained that he tries to “pick the brains of the coaches and players on red soil, black soil pitches,” a nod to how conditions shape his plans. He also recalled a Powerplay tip from Dwayne Bravo: “If you’re going to get hit, at least get hit to the two fielders you have outside protecting the boundaries.” The message was simple—reduce damage by aiming the ball into a safer fielding setup.
Hardik Pandya said Samson played an “outstanding knock” and added that he isn’t the kind of player who would immediately insist the pitch had changed. He pointed out that losing a wicket in the Powerplay left them “chasing” the game, and that “there will be chat” around potential personnel changes after the defeat.
Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated the victory to Mukesh Choudhary, who lost his mother yet still turned up to contribute with his effort on the night. Gaikwad, despite losing the toss, said his “gut feeling” was to bat first. Samson described it as a “special moment” and credited his approach to “keeping things simple,” adding, “I have never seen yellow so much in Wankhede ever in my life!”
One more loss at Wankhede would push MI to match their lengthiest home losing stretch from the 2017–18 period. With that in mind, some “birdies” expect Wankhede could turn yellow next season—though not for CSK’s sake, the chatter goes, but to make the stands look empty rather than packed with away colours from their main rivals.
Tonight’s watchlist
RCB take on GT at the Chinnaswamy, with the hosts in a strong position in the table. Still, a second home loss could stir unease. GT have also won two of their last three games in Bengaluru, adding another layer of pressure on the home side.
Reckless prediction: at least four wickets in the Powerplay for the team that bats first.
