Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated his side’s emphatic 103-run win to Mukesh Choudhary, who played the Match 33 clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium despite the recent passing of his mother. The CSK players wore black armbands as a tribute before and during the contest on Thursday. “Pretty tough on him (Mukesh Choudhary), I would dedicate this win to him. All glory to him. Everyone chipped in and wanted to be there for him. Feels good (on the win),” Gaikwad said afterwards.
Quick facts
- Match: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Match 33 of IPL 2026
- Venue and day: Wankhede Stadium, Thursday
- Tribute: Players wore black armbands in honour of Mukesh Choudhary’s late mother
- CSK score: 207/6 after opting to bat first
- Top knock: Sanju Samson 101* (unbeaten)
- MI result: Bowled out for 104 in 19 overs
- Key bowling: Akeal Hosein four wickets, supported by Noor Ahmad
- Points movement: CSK moved to fifth place with six points from seven matches
- Next fixture: Gujarat Titans on April 26
CSK put together a powerful all-round display, building a tough-to-chase total of 207/6 after choosing to bat first. Samson set the tone with a brilliant century, finishing unbeaten on 101, while other batters chipped in to keep the run-rate moving and push the innings past the 200-run mark.
When Mumbai Indians went in pursuit, the chase never truly got going. The visitors struggled early and were eventually dismissed for 104 in 19 overs, leaving CSK to take the win by 103 runs. With the ball, Akeal Hosein was the standout performer, claiming four wickets, while Noor Ahmad’s spells provided important support as Mumbai’s innings collapsed.
Gaikwad on the toss and CSK’s plan
Gaikwad explained that his batting decision at the toss came naturally. “My gut feeling wanted me to bat first. Sanju and I said that it wasn’t coming on nicely,” he said, pointing to conditions that influenced the call.
He also praised the collective contribution across the batting order, underlining that even smaller partnerships mattered. “Everyone chipped in really well. Even the 20s helped. Sanju played a magnificent knock and took us home,” Gaikwad added. He further highlighted how early momentum was shaped by key moments, stating, “Mukesh to Quinton de Kock, that set the momentum. He started really well.”
On the bowling side, the captain stressed the value of having both Akeal and Noor within the attack, while noting that the unit is finding its rhythm. “It’s a blessing to have Akeal and Noor. Everyone is settling. Everyone is calm and composed.”
As the tournament continues, Gaikwad said CSK’s approach is beginning to click. “We have been doing well; it’s just starting to click. We are trying to cover all the bases. We start from zero, it’s about assessing,” he remarked, reflecting on how the team is building consistency match by match.
After the victory, CSK climbed to fifth place in the points table, collecting six points from seven games. Their next match will be against the Gujarat Titans on April 26.
