IPL 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad masterclass sinks MI as CSK keep playoff hopes alive

Chennai Super Kings delivered a complete performance to defeat Mumbai Indians by eight wickets in a crucial IPL 2026 encounter at Chepauk, keeping their playoff hopes alive while pushing their rivals further down the table.

The foundation of the win was laid by a disciplined bowling effort, led by Noor Ahmad, who returned impressive figures of 2 for 26 from his four overs. He was well supported by Anshul Kamboj, who picked up 3 for 32, as MI were restricted to 159 for 7 after being put in to bat.

MI’s innings never really found fluency. Naman Dhir top-scored with a 57 off 37 balls, but lacked support from the rest of the lineup. Captain Hardik Pandya struggled to accelerate, managing just 18 off 23 balls, reflecting the visitors’ difficulties in building momentum.

The innings had its moments early on. Ryan Rickelton looked dangerous, striking consecutive sixes off Mukesh Choudhary and later taking on Prashant Veer with three maximums in an over. MI reached 57 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, but the momentum didn’t last.

CSK struck back quickly. Rickelton fell to Noor Ahmad, while Suryakumar Yadav, after a brisk 21 off 12 balls, failed to convert his start and was dismissed by debutant Ramakrishna Ghosh, who claimed his maiden IPL wicket. Tilak Varma also departed cheaply, top-edging a sweep to skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. From there, MI struggled to find boundaries, with dot balls piling up in the middle overs.

Earlier, Ghosh had already made an impact in the field, taking a stunning diving catch to dismiss Will Jacks off Kamboj’s bowling. Despite a dropped chance when Dhir was on 19, CSK maintained control and prevented MI from posting a bigger total.

In reply, CSK began briskly through Sanju Samson, who struck early boundaries but was dismissed for 11 off 9 balls by Jasprit Bumrah, edging an outswinger to Rickelton.

However, Gaikwad anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 67 off 48 balls. He found strong support from Kartik Sharma, who remained not out on 54 off 40 balls, while Urvil Patel chipped in with a quick 24 off 12.

There were a few aggressive passages during the chase, including a 17-run over off Trent Boult and another expensive spell from Krish Bhagat. Urvil’s cameo ended when he was bowled by AM Ghazanfar, but by then CSK were well on course.

Gaikwad and Sharma ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding CSK home comfortably to seal a crucial victory in their campaign.