Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by eight wickets at Chepauk on Saturday (May 2) to keep their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive.

After losing the toss, CSK put up an impressive bowling performance to restrict MI to a below-par 159/7 in 20 overs. Anshul Kamboj took three scalps and Noor Ahmad bagged two, while debutant Ramakrishna Ghosh and Jamie Overton returned with wicket apiece.

In reply, CSK rode on half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad (67* off 48) and Kartik Sharma (54* off 40) to overhaul the target with 11 deliveries to spare.

Speaking after the match, CSK skipper Gaikwad expressed satisfaction with his team’s clinical performance, especially praising Kamboj and Noor for setting up the win with their exceptional bowling.

"Feels good, actually. I thought we started really well a couple of overs and then, they got a bit of momentum there. I thought after powerplay, we pulled it back really well. I thought, we were chasing 20 to 30 runs less. And after that, it was just about, getting through the first couple of overs and after that just making sure, one of the top three stays till the end and getting the job done. So, feels good, obviously, a big win against a quality side, so obviously it feels good," Gaikwad said during the post-match presentation.

“(on Kamboj and the rest of the bowling group) Well, he's someone who is keeping it really simple, sticking to the process really well, understands, how the pitch is playing. His mind is ticking just like a batsman's mind. So I think that's what stands out for him. And, Noor is someone who just needed a bit of momentum and wickets like this, where he'll come into play. And, since the third game, I think he's made some adjustments and, come along really well. So it's a great sign for us going forward,” he added.

Gaikwad addressed the decision to leave out left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, stating that the team sought better balance and opted to go with all-round options.

"Well, first of all, we thought, how to get the balance right. We thought, how to get that extra batter at number eight and, if needed, extra bowler as well, and a bit of left-hander, batting down the order as well. So, Veer and Ghosh were the couple of guys who can do both the roles really well. And both of them are youngsters doing really well in the practice games and even in the practice. So I thought, we thought, let's go with them. Let's back them. And, both of them coming at 8 and 9 in the batting department as well, gives a bit of extra cushion and, both can hit, a couple of sixes and, give us that couple of overs as well. So that was the thought process behind it,” he explained.

Reflecting on his own form, Gaikwad emphasized maintaining a positive frame of mind after a difficult start to the season, backed by his wife, teammates, and management.

“Feels good, definitely, to be there till the end. As I was always saying, I was always feeling well, always feeling confident. It's just that T20 cricket, one of those days where, you hit a good shot, straight into the hands and, bit here and there, you get those boundaries or sixes. So I knew I was in a good frame of mind, thanks to my wife as well, my teammates as well, my management as well. They made sure that I am positive. But, I thought I was really in a good frame of mind and, after that, it was just a matter of time where, once I got in, I had to make sure that I finished the game, which was, lacking a bit for a long time,” he remarked.

Gaikwad was effusive in praise of CSK’s Rs 14.20 crore acutorsion, Kartik Sharma, who slammed his maiden IPL half-century against MI.

"Well, yes, obviously a good confidence-booster for him and for us as well. I feel, yes, he is a six-hitter, but I feel he has the other game as well where, he's not someone who's, who goes wild slogging. He's someone who picks and chooses his bowlers, picks and chooses his particular type of deliveries or particular type of bowlers. So he's someone we thought, from the last game, coming in at number four can give us that balance, can play the fast bowler really well. If needed, he can take on the spinners and then, rotate strike as well. So I think, great sign for us.”

Ruturaj Gaikwad shared the team's mindset heading into their upcoming matches. “Well, just keeping it really simple, we try and stress about it, trying to keep things simple. Yes, mistakes are gonna happen, but make sure that we come back really well in the game and make sure we give everything for this jersey, for the shirt, for the fans, who, turn it around every day and night. So, just for them, try and give more than 100 percent,” he concluded.