Chennai Super Kings beat Mumbai Indians by 103 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. It was a dominant performance from Chennai as they posted a total of more than 200 in the first innings. Sanju Samson smashed a terrific century to help his side post an excellent total. Chasing the target, Mumbai Indians lost early wickets and were really in the chase. They were bowled out for 104 as Chennai picked up a massive win.
Akeal Hosein: The wicket was offering both, some were swinging and it was gripping as well. So for me, it was just trying to use the conditions as best as possible. (Your main target was the stumps whilst you were doing all your variations, right?) Yes, that was definitely the plan, to stay on the stumps. If they have to hit you off the stumps, kudos to them. (What’s your mindset in the powerplay?) I think one thing that sticks with me is what Dwayne Bravo said. He said as bowlers and as spinners and guys who operate in the powerplay, you’re going to get hit. So as long as you can get that out of your mind and just focus on your plans and what are the batter’s strengths and weaknesses, and what are your strengths and weaknesses, and as long as you focus on what you’re going to execute and forget about being scared of getting hit, I think you’re fine. (Your spin twin is supporting you well?) Yes. Always a pleasure to see Noor Ahmad doing his thing. Really happy for him. He’s been working really hard. There were a couple of matches that didn’t go his way, so very happy to see him successful again tonight.
Hardik Pandya | MI captain:
I think that in the powerplay, losing that early wicket is always going to be tricky. You are always chasing the game and we could not cope up after that. (Did the pitch change in any way?) I would not say that. I’m not someone who would like to say that. They batted well, they scored 207. It was the same track, it is the same soil. We should have just batted well. (The spinners got the ball to grip, didn’t they?) Yes, I think even our spinners bowled pretty well. It’s just that Sanju played an outstanding knock. At the same point of time, their batters kept coming and kind of chipping in and got them to a decent total. I think more than a decent total on that track. For us to chase this down, we needed to have a good powerplay and the momentum had to be with us, but that could not happen. (Will there be more personnel change in the upcoming games?) I think that will be the chat where we will go back to again, go forward and figure out what we need to do. We have a couple of days. We just need to see what we can do best.
Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK captain:
Pretty tough on him (Mukesh Choudhary), I would dedicate this win to him. All glory to him. Everyone chipped and wanted to be there for him. Feels good (on the win). My gut feeling wanted me to bat first. Me and Sanju said that it wasn't coming on nicely. Everyone chipped in really well. Even the 20s helped. Sanju played a magnificent knock and took us home. We have been doing well, it's just starting to click. We are trying to cover all the bases. Mukesh to Quinton, that set the momentum. He started off really well. It's a blessing to have Akeal and Noor. Everyone is settling. Everyone is calm and composed. We start from zero, it's about assessing.
Read More: Hardik Pandya Captaincy Records
Sanju Samson | Player of the Match:
Feels great to score a century in Wankhede vs MI. I am just looking at the conditions. The ball was swinging around and holding a bit. After the powerplay, we kept losing wickets. I thought it's important for a settled batsman to bat through. The game tells you what to do. You don't have to be premeditating. With the experience I have, the team comes first. It is my responsibility to understand the game. It's a young team, but the attitude we've shown after three losses is commending. Every game is important, we need to be ready and enjoy. It's all new for me, so much yellow in Wankhede.
Read More: Ruturaj Gaikwad Captaincy Records
Chennai Super Kings win the Clash of the Titans and it was a dominant performance from the Yellow army who pick up a crucial win. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians will be hurting with this loss as this has dented their NRR and they are in a very tough spot in the points table and need to bounce back.
