Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad played a match-defining knock against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday (September 19). He smashed unbeaten 88 runs to ensure CSK recover, after being 24/4, and post a competitive total of 156/6.

Gaikwad was awarded Man of the Match for his innings which has now put CSK on top of the points table after they won the match by 20 runs. The CSK opener called it one of his top innings till now.

The youngster was the only one to score a half-century for his team and he took on bowlers like Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs. 

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"Obviously one of my top innings till now. With the pressure of early wickets and with the seniors in the dressing room, I just had to grind and get the team to 130, 140 and then 150 was possible," he said.

Gaikwad talked about the support from CSK management and captain MS Dhoni. He also said that the preparation for the Sri Lanka tour also helped him in the knock and rebuild the CSK innings.

"When Mahi bhai [brother] is around and with the CSK management, once they back you, you don't have to think much. The SL tour and the preparation coming here did help too. Initially, the ball was seaming and swinging so I had to take my chance against the spinners.

"Jaddu just came in and I had to take my chance and it came off well. Quinton was taking charge, and my drop at that stage could have been crucial, but luckily Deepak got him out soon after," he added.

Super Kings have now won 6 out of 8 matches and a better run rate than Delhi Capitals, who have won an equal number of matches, takes them to first spot on the points table. 

(With ANI Inputs)