'Our Young Wicketkeeper's Three 6s, Our Malinga's Yorkers': Captain Gaikwad Lauds Dhoni, Pathirana as CSK Thrash MI

Chennai Super Kings posted their first away win of the season with a 20-run triumph over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. CSK put up a total of 206 for the loss of 4 wickets thanks to fifties from skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube before an MS Dhoni whirlwind set the Wankhede ablaze.

Gaikwad, who top scored for the holders with his 40-ball-69, hailed the ‘young keeper’ Dhoni’s knock of 20 off just 4 deliveries, which featured three consecutive sixers, and emphasised that his late blitzkrieg proved to be the difference between the sides.

“Our young wicketkeeper scoring three sixes down the order helped a lot and I think that was the difference,” Gaikwad said at the post-game presentation.

Gaikwad reflected on the side’s batting as he revealed that the defending champions were initially eyeing a total in surplus of 200, but were held back a bit by Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant spell.

“To start off, on this kind of ground, you need 10-15 extra runs. We were looking at 215-220, but Bumrah bowled well,” the CSK skipper said.

CSK opened the innings with Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra, with the former taking the usual spot of skipper Gaikwad. The 27-year-old shed light on the change in the batting order stating that the veteran had a niggle and thought it wise to start the game and get some runs quickly off the bat. He also revealed that he felt comfortable batting at any order.

“Jinks was carrying a bit of a niggle. So, thought it was better for him to open and get away quick runs. I’m fine batting anywhere,” he said.

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CSK limited MI to 186 for six to register a resounding win at the home of the arch-rivals, despite the hosts flying off to a great start thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan as the openers put up a seventy-run stand in seven overs before the MI batting order collapsed.

Gaikwad lauded his bowling unit and said he reiterated how such venues require all departments in the team to be sound.

“Bowling-wise, we were spot on with our execution. Even in the powerplay, I would have taken six overs for 60. These kinds of venues demand both skills, batting and bowling,” the captain continued.

MI were undone by CSK pacer Matheesa Pathirana’s brilliant spell of four overs 4 for 28, which turned the tide of the game in favour of the visitors. Gaikwad heaped praise on the Sri Lankan seamer and likened him to legendary compatriot Lasith Malinga, who is famous for his lethal roundarm deliveries.

“Our Malinga bowled exceptionally well and nailed those yorkers,” he said.

Tushar Deshpande managed to scalp the other two Mumbai wickets that fell, while Shardul Thakur stayed economical to trouble MI in the middle overs.

“Not to forget – even Tushar and Shardul bowled well. We encourage everyone to be in a good headspace,” Gaikwad signed off.