Home Cricket Facts "started very well": Ruturaj Gaikwad happy as CSK complete double over MI in IPL 2026

"started very well": Ruturaj Gaikwad happy as CSK complete double over MI in IPL 2026

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"started very well": Ruturaj Gaikwad happy as CSK complete double over MI in IPL 2026


Chennai Super Kings have been on the losing side throughout the start of the season; However, their fortunes began to change when Sanju Samson was seen slowly regaining his form, with his first big innings in the form of a century against the Delhi Capitals, leading to the Super Kings’ first win.

The turbulent campaign has seen many bumps in their campaign but they bounced back on several occasions and have now managed to win four matches this season including two matches against Mumbai Indians. The Super Kings have won six of their last seven matches against the Mumbai Indians since 2023.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has finally returned results with the bat in the last few matches and has now finally played a winning innings for his team, thus also winning the man of the match award for the first time this season.

Anshul Kamboj regains top spot as CSK bowlers dominate MI’s strong batting unit at Chepauk

MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, one of the toughest batting tracks in India. However, the way they had performed with the bat in their last game might have given Pandya the confidence to bat first.

CSK made big changes to their team by opting to include all their youngsters in the same team. Urvil Patel also played his second match of the season after Ayush Mhatre was ruled out of the upcoming matches.

Anshul Kamboj started with Will Jacks’ massive first wicket and once again picked three wickets in the game, thus helping CSK along with Noor Ahmed restrict them to a score of 159. Kamboj has claimed 17 wickets now in 9 appearances and is back on top.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma partnership leads CSK to biggest win over MI

Ruturaj Gaikwad came out to chase a total of 160 and started very well with the bat. After Samson, the centurion against MI in the last match at Wankhede, was dismissed soon after the powerplay, Gaikwad contributed to some astonishing partnerships.

With a partnership alongside Urvil Patel helping them overcome the powerplay, it gave CSK the perfect start. Then, along with young Kartik Sharma, who was promoted in the innings, he put together a mammoth 98-run partnership.

Ruturaj Gaikwad contributed an unbeaten 67 in just 48 balls and was adjudged the player of the match, while Kartik Sharma also hit his first century in the IPL and played a vital unbeaten 54-run knock. This was CSK’s biggest win over Mumbai Indians in terms of wicket margin.

It was only a matter of time – Ruturaj Gaikwad

CSK could only win 4 matches in the last season; However, they have achieved it with five more games left in the competition. “It feels good. We started very well, the first two overs, after that they picked up momentum and we got it back. It was about getting through the first two overs, and then it was about one of the top three staying there,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said after the win.

“He (Kamboj) is someone who keeps it really simple, sticks to the process and his mind thinks like a batsman’s mind. Noor has made some adjustments and has performed very well.

“We thought about how to get the right balance, how to get an eight batsman and an extra bowler. Veer and Ghosh are someone who can contribute with both; they give an extra cushion in batting and also bowl a couple of overs,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said about the team dynamic.

High praise from CSK captain for young Kartik Sharma: He said: “Yes, he is a six-hitter but he also has the other game but he picks specific deliveries. It is a great sign for us as Mr. Cricket said that he is someone who if he gets going can be great for us.”

ALSO READ: ‘It’s not the season’: Hardik Pandya hints at early exit from MI after CSK’s defeat in IPL 2026