IPL 2026: ‘We are keeping it simple’- Ruturaj Gaikwad eyes playoff push after big win vs MI
Ruturaj Gaikwad led Chennai Super Kings to a crucial eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, keeping their playoff hopes alive. His unbeaten 67, coupled with Anshul Kamboj's three-wicket haul, was pivotal. Gaikwad praised the team's resilience and the bowlers' ability to regain control.
The win underscores CSK's determined approach to the tournament's business end.
Ruturaj Gaikwad reflected on a complete team performance after guiding Chennai Super Kings to a commanding eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, a result that keeps their playoff hopes alive. Named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 67, Gaikwad highlighted how CSK managed to wrest back control after a brief phase of pressure. “Feels good.
We started really well, first couple of overs, they got a momentum after that and we pulled it back,” he said, pointing to the bowlers’ ability to respond under pressure. MI had raced to 57 for 1 in the powerplay, but CSK’s attack, led by Noor Ahmad (2/26) and Anshul Kamboj (3/32), tightened the screws through the middle overs. Gaikwad was particularly pleased with Kamboj’s approach, saying, “He is someone who is keeping it really simple, sticking to the process and his mind is thinking like a batters mind.
” He also noted Noor’s improvement, adding that the spinner “has made some adjustments and come along really well. ” Chasing 160, CSK lost Sanju Samson early to Jasprit Bumrah, but Gaikwad stressed the importance of one of the top three batting deep. “It was about getting through the first couple of overs and then it was about one of the top three staying there,” he explained.