Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded the exceptional performance of wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, whose three consecutive sixes off Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya proved pivotal in CSK’s victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.
Gaikwad acknowledged Dhoni’s crucial contribution, stating that it made the decisive difference in the match. Dhoni’s 20 runs off four balls proved to be the exact margin of victory for CSK.
Chasing 207 for victory, five-time winners Mumbai finished on 186/6 despite Rohit Sharma’s ton in 61 balls. Dhoni arrived at the crease with the scorecard showing 186/4 in 19.2 overs and quickly transformed the scoreboard to 206/4 in the stipulated 20 overs, with the help of three massive sixes and a double off the last ball of the innings.
“The young wicketkeeper scoring those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue. In the middle phase, Bumrah bowled really well. I feel we were spot on with our execution with the ball despite them scoring some great shots. I would have taken 6 overs 60 at the powerplay,” Gaikwad said at the post-match interaction.
Gaikwad also praised the bowling performances of Malinga, Tushar, and Shardul, highlighting their ability to execute yorkers and restrict Mumbai’s scoring. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and continuing the team’s winning ways.
Gaikwad and Shivam Dube powered Chennai to 206/4, with Gaikwad hitting 69 and Dube smashing an unbeaten 66. Sri Lanka quick Matheesha Pathirana then took four wickets to push Mumbai to their fourth loss of the season.
