Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated his side’s emphatic 103-run victory over Mumbai Indians to teammate Mukesh Choudhary, who recently lost his mother.
Choudhary played a significant role in the win, making an early impact with the new ball during Mumbai’s chase of 208 at the Wankhede Stadium. The left-arm seamer struck in his opening over, removing the in-form Quinton de Kock for 7. Gaikwad entrusted him with a full four-over spell upfront, underlining his importance in the bowling plan.
Gaikwad Praises Choudhary’s Strength
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gaikwad acknowledged the emotional circumstances surrounding Choudhary’s performance.
“Yes, pretty tough on him. I would definitely like to dedicate this win to him,” said Gaikwad. “Hats off to him. Coming in from that sad situation takes a lot of mental strength, and I think he came back for the team, came back for the franchise. He knew that we needed him, so definitely all the credit goes to him. We even spoke before going out to bowl that we wanted to win this game for him. I’m glad that everyone chipped in and just wanted to be there for him.”
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone
Choudhary’s opening burst, combined with the efforts of Akeal Hosein, put Mumbai on the back foot immediately. The pair claimed three wickets within the first three overs, leaving the hosts struggling early in the chase.
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Mumbai never recovered from the early setbacks and were eventually bowled out for 104, sealing a comprehensive win for CSK.
Tribute from the Team
In a gesture of respect, CSK players wore black armbands during the match following the passing of Choudhary’s mother, Prema Devi, who had reportedly been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness at Mumbai’s Tata Hospital.
The performance and the result reflected both the team’s support for their teammate and Choudhary’s resilience in difficult circumstances.
