Sanju Samson carried Chennai Super Kings to 207 with a sublime 101 not out, while Akeal Hosein was outstanding in the powerplay. But for me, the story of this match against Mumbai Indians belonged to Mukesh Choudhary.
In the days leading up to this game, Mukesh suffered a personal tragedy with the passing of his mother, Prem Devi. He immediately left the CSK camp after their previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and returned to his hometown of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, to perform her last rites. It was a moment that understandably could have kept him away from cricket for longer.
Yet, in a decision that underlined both his resilience and commitment, Mukesh chose to rejoin the CSK squad in Mumbai. Given the circumstances, he could easily have remained with his grieving family, but instead, he returned to the field. CSK handed him his second game of IPL 2026, and what followed was a moment straight out of sport’s most emotional scripts.
There was a hint of swing early on, and Mukesh made it count. Four consecutive dot balls to begin, followed by the wicket of Quinton de Kock. Instantly, he looked skywards—an unmistakable gesture, perhaps a quiet tribute to the woman who stood by him through his toughest days.
CSK’s gesture of wearing black armbands spoke volumes about the unity within the squad. And while Mukesh’s final figures – 1/31 from four overs – may not leap off the page, the context made it deeply special. It was not just about numbers; it was about heart, loss, and the strength to carry on. Crucially, his effort also helped keep CSK on track for an important victory.
With Khaleel Ahmed ruled out, Mukesh now has a genuine opportunity to cement his place in the XI for the remainder of the season. And if he does, don’t be surprised to see more of those quiet glances skywards – moments that remind us of the human stories behind the game.
As for Samson, his transition into the CSK setup has been impactful. The 101* in this match is just the latest example of how comfortably he has slotted in, providing both stability and acceleration. His shot selection has been crisp, his temperament assured, and he already looks like a player around whom CSK can build their batting through IPL 2026 and the future. For a batter who routinely started seasons well with Rajasthan Royals only to suffer habitual slumps, Sanju scoring his second century this season shows what he can do if he stays consistent.
Hosein, too, deserves significant credit for setting the tone early. His control in the Powerplay stood out, using subtle variations in pace and flight to keep the Mumbai batters in check. By denying them early momentum, he created the platform that allowed CSK’s seamers – led by Mukesh – to capitalise. It was a spell that may not grab headlines but was vital in shaping the contest.
