Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured their fourth win of the season by defeating their arch rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets, on May 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Young batter Kartik Sharma played a key role along with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in sealing the game for CSK.
Kartik Sharma emulates MS Dhoni
The 20-year-old batter scored his maiden fifty in IPL, but it was his stylish celebration that grabbed everyone's attention. After reaching the milestone, Kartik recreated MS Dhoni's iconic celebration from 2005. The legendary wicketkeeper batter did the 'gun' celebration after scoring his highest ODI score of unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka.
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After the game, Kartik Sharma reflected on the recreation of the celebration, revealing he had planned to do it way before, as it was his first half-century in the competition and he wanted to make it memorable.
"It was my first inning and my first IPL fifty. I had planned beforehand that if I scored runs today, I would celebrate like that," said Kartik at the post-match presentation.
While talking about his innings, Kartik told that he was just trying to stay at the crease till the end as he was looking to finish it for his team. He also revealed that skipper Ruturaj was very supportive throughout the game as he motivated him to play his natural game and help the team win.
"I was just thinking that I have to stay there till the end and finish the game for the team. Rutu bhayya just told me to play the game that I know. Nothing else. Just go there, play your game and help the team win," Kartik added.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kartik Sharma tonk brilliant fifties for CSK
In pursuit of the target, CSK’s chase began with high energy as Sanju Samson struck early boundaries before falling to a classic Jasprit Bumrah outswinger. However, any hopes of a Mumbai fightback were quickly extinguished by Ruturaj Gaikwad. The CSK skipper led from the front with a masterful, unbeaten 67 off 48 balls, orchestrating the chase with composure. He found an ideal partner in Kartik Sharma, who contributed a steady unbeaten 54, while Urvil Patel provided an early burst of momentum with a quick-fire 24.
The powerplay was particularly fruitful for the hosts, with Gaikwad taking the attack to Trent Boult and Patel punishing Krish Bhagat for multiple boundaries. Although Ghazanfar managed to dismiss Patel by forcing an inside edge onto the stumps, the breakthrough came too late to alter the course of the game. Gaikwad and Sharma remained unfazed, systematically picking apart the Mumbai attack to guide Chennai to a comfortable victory and complete a dominant season double over their historic rivals.
CSK's next challenge in IPL 2026
After a comfortable win over MI, CSK will face Axar Patel's Delhi Capitals (DC) in their upcoming clash in IPL 2026 on Tuesday, May 5 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Currently, the Yellow Army sit at sixth place with eight points in hand after playing nine games (4 victories and 5 losses) at a net run rate of +0.005. The Ruturaj-led side will aim to reach the playoffs by securing as many wins as possible in the next few games.