NEW DELHI: When Mukesh Choudhary removed Quinton de Kock’s stumps, it didn’t spark the usual burst of joy. There were no big reactions, no celebratory leap, and no loud show of emotion. Instead, the bowler stood motionless in the middle of the field, tilted his gaze upward, and pointed towards the sky, quietly saying, “Maa, ye tere liye hai.” It was a restrained, heartfelt tribute from a son who had been forced to battle intense personal grief—after completing his mother’s final rites in Bhilwara, Rajasthan—yet still returned to his team’s responsibilities the very next day. Mukesh’s mother had died on Tuesday following a prolonged illness. Even with that loss weighing heavily on him, he rejoined the CSK group ahead of the match against Mumbai Indians and was named in the playing XI, choosing duty over everything else. The calm and composed nature that he is known for remained unchanged as he walked out in yellow, with no visible signs of distress, ready to open the bowling with the new ball. From the moment he started his spell, he bowled with the same sharp intent, struck in his first over, and dedicated the wicket in his own way to his mother—someone he believed was watching from above and blessing him. Each run-up at the Wankhede carried more than just cricketing rhythm; it held emotion, recollection, and sorrow. Yet Mukesh knew his side needed him. He came back with a steady heart, kept his feelings close, and delivered a showing shaped as much by bravery as by skill.
Chennai Super Kings then backed that display of resilience with a dominant performance, running out to a 103-run triumph over Mumbai Indians at a roaring Wankhede Stadium. After Mumbai Indians opted to bat, CSK compiled a massive 207 for 6, with Sanju Samson striking an unbeaten 101 off 54 deliveries. The chase never truly got going for MI, as CSK’s Akeal Hosein produced a devastating spell, finishing with figures of 4-17 to knock the visitors over for just 104 in 19 overs. The all-out total of 104 stands as the lowest score Mumbai Indians have managed against CSK in IPL history, improving on their earlier mark of 136/8 at Dubai in 2021. The defeat also became MI’s heaviest at Wankhede in terms of runs—beating their previous 39-run loss to RCB in 2015—while also representing CSK’s biggest winning margin in the league by runs.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, speaking right after the win, made sure Mukesh received the respect his effort deserved. He walked over to the fast bowler, embraced him as Mukesh appeared emotional, exchanged a few words, and then moved on to the post-match presentation. Gaikwad said, “Pretty tough on him. Hats off to him—coming in that situation takes a lot mentally. He came back for the team, for the franchise, because he knew we needed him. All glory to him. We all wanted to be there for him and chipped away for him.”
