Chennai Super Kings pacer Mukesh Choudhary faced an emotional and challenging stretch before returning to action in IPL 2026. After learning of his mother’s passing, the 29-year-old travelled to Bhilwara, but made sure he was back in time to play against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. In a show of solidarity, CSK’s squad wore black armbands as they took the field in tribute to his late mother, and the team’s efforts quickly turned into a statement win.
Key takeaways
- Mukesh Choudhary returned to IPL action against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium after travelling to Bhilwara following his mother’s death.
- CSK marked the occasion by wearing black armbands and later received praise from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for the pacer’s resilience.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated CSK’s dominant victory to Mukesh, saying the team wanted to do something special for him.
- CSK secured a 103-run win, while Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for a 101-run knock.
- Mumbai were bowled out for 104, with Akeal Hosein starring using four wickets.
Gaikwad dedicates the win and backs Mukesh’s return
After CSK’s emphatic triumph over Mumbai, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad publicly dedicated the result to Mukesh. Gaikwad highlighted the mental strength it takes to come back after a deeply difficult few days and credited the speedster for choosing to play for the team and the franchise.
Gaikwad said, “Yes, it’s been pretty tough for him. I would definitely like to dedicate this win to him. Hats off to him—coming in from such a sad situation takes a lot of effort mentally. I feel he returned for the side, he returned for the franchise.”
The captain also explained that CSK had been discussing the importance of giving Mukesh a win before they even started bowling. He added that the entire group felt motivated to make the moment meaningful for their teammate.
Gaikwad added, “He knew we needed him, so all the credit to him. Before we went into the bowling, we spoke about wanting to win this game for him. I’m glad everyone contributed and wanted to be there for him.”
Family details and what Gaikwad said about CSK’s bowling plans
In a report by Dainik Bhaskar, it was stated that Mukesh’s mother died on Tuesday after being unwell for nearly a year. The report also mentioned that she was receiving treatment at Tata Hospital.
Looking ahead to the match itself, CSK produced a comprehensive performance to register a 103-run victory and move up to the fifth position in the points table. Sanju Samson was awarded Player of the Match for scoring 101 runs, while Akeal Hosein followed up with a four-wicket haul as Mumbai Indians were restricted to 104 all out.
Gaikwad further commented on the way CSK’s bowling unit is settling into roles and executing plans with clarity. He noted that although Khaleel was not available, Mukesh made an immediate impact from the very first over, particularly targeting Quinton, which helped set the tone early.
“We’re heading in a direction where we’re trying to cover all the bases,” Gaikwad said. “Khaleel wasn’t available, but Mukesh started that first over, especially to Quinton, and I thought that really set the momentum. And even to bowl three overs in the powerplay to the likes of Surya and Tilak, he started really well. Anshul is always doing well.”
The CSK captain also pointed to the options the team has when the pitch offers pace and bounce, saying that Jamie and Gurjapneet are capable of taking wickets during the middle overs. He added that Noor remains an important part of the attack and that Akeal’s presence provides additional strength when CSK gets opportunities to use him.
Gaikwad concluded, “And Jamie, whenever the wicket has some pace and bounce, Jamie and Gurjapneet are the ones who can take wickets for us in the middle as well. And you always have Noor, and then always a blessing to have Akeal if we have an opportunity. So, as I said, overall, everyone is getting into their roles. Everyone is settling, and everyone is calm and composed and knows what to do.”
