Gaikwad's unbeaten 67 guides CSK past MI in eight-wicket chase
Synopsis
Ruturaj Gaikwad's composed unbeaten 67 and a decisive 98-run stand with Kartik Sharma steered CSK past MI in a chase that hinged on the bowling unit's second-half discipline. With Kamboj and debutant Ghosh tightening the screws after MI threatened 180-plus, CSK climbed to sixth in the table — a win that proved both batting depth and bowling maturity matter in the IPL's grind.
Key Takeaways
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored an unbeaten 67 off 48 balls as CSK chased down 160 on 3 May .
Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma (54*) stitched a decisive 98-run partnership .
CSK won by eight wickets with 11 balls to spare at the MA Chidambaram Stadium .
Kamboj took 3 for 32 and Noor Ahmed claimed 2 for 26 to restrict MI to 69 runs in the final 10 overs .
CSK moved to sixth position with 8 points from nine matches .
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad steered his side to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 3 May, chasing down 160 with 11 balls to spare. Gaikwad anchored the chase with an unbeaten 67 off 48 balls, forging a decisive 98-run partnership with youngster Kartik Sharma (54*) to seal the contest.
Gaikwad's batting approach
The CSK captain emphasised his intent to bat through the innings after reaching the crease. "Once I got in, once I crossed 20 or 25, I wanted to make sure I'm there till the end and make sure I hit the winning goal," Gaikwad said in a statement released by the IPL. He also noted the personal milestone of scoring his first 50 in the tournament while completing the team's objective.
The turnaround with the ball
MI appeared poised for a formidable total at 90/2 after 10 overs, but CSK's bowling unit executed a disciplined comeback. Kamboj claimed 3 for 32 while Noor Ahmed took 2 for 26, restricting MI to just 69 runs in the final 10 overs. Debutant Ramakrishna Ghosh impressed with his composure under pressure, earning praise from his captain for stepping up when called upon.
Gaikwad on the bowling unit's growth
The skipper highlighted how the team's bowling has evolved across the tournament. "As the game progresses, we as a bowling unit are getting a clearer picture. Everyone is stepping up, staying calm and confident, and whenever there's an opportunity, we go all out," Gaikwad said. He credited Noor and debutant Ghosh for their pivotal contributions after the halfway mark, noting that MI appeared headed toward a 180–190 par score before the bowling tightened.
What the result means
CSK have climbed to sixth position in the points table with 8 points from nine matches. The victory also underscores the value of Gaikwad's captaincy in high-pressure chases — a skill that will be tested further as the tournament enters its decisive phase. The team faces Delhi Capitals on Tuesday in their next fixture.
Point of View
Though, was CSK's bowling execution in the second half. MI's collapse from 90/2 to a below-par total exposed the recurring IPL pattern: top-order dominance means nothing if the middle overs aren't managed. For CSK, this win proves that depth — both batting and bowling — is their edge in a crowded field.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ruturaj Gaikwad's score in CSK's chase against MI?
Gaikwad scored an unbeaten 67 off 48 balls, anchoring CSK's successful chase of 160 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 3 May. He also formed a crucial 98-run partnership with Kartik Sharma to seal the eight-wicket victory.
How did CSK restrict MI in the second half of the innings?
CSK's bowling unit executed disciplined bowling after the 10th over. Kamboj took 3 for 32, Noor Ahmed claimed 2 for 26, and debutant Ramakrishna Ghosh bowled confidently to restrict MI to just 69 runs in the final 10 overs, despite MI being at 90/2 at the halfway mark.
What is CSK's position in the points table after this win?
CSK moved to sixth position in the points table with 8 points from nine matches after defeating MI by eight wickets.
When will CSK play their next match?
CSK will face Delhi Capitals on Tuesday in their next IPL fixture.
