Chasing 160, Gaikwad anchored the innings with an unbeaten 67 off 48 balls, stitching a decisive 98-run partnership with youngster Kartik Sharma (54*) as CSK chased down the target with 11 balls to spare.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt feels good that I won my first 50 and also the team and finished the game, I always felt I was batting really well and I kept talking to myself that once I got in, once I crossed that 20 or 25, I wanted to make sure that I\u2019m there till the end and make sure I hit the winning goal,\u201d Gaikwad said in a video released by IPL on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFeels good obviously, especially when you are playing in this El Clasico. I always loved it since I was a kid, and to be part of this, even now, it feels really special,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The CSK skipper also highlighted how the team clawed back into the game with the ball after MI threatened a bigger total. He also lauded Noor Ahmed and debutant Ramakrishna Ghosh for leading the attack after the halfway stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAt one point, I felt 180-190 would have been a par score, and they were going in that direction. But after the 10th over mark, we pulled it back really well. A huge credit to Noor and Ghosh. Being the debutant, I think he said, \u2018I will bowl\u2019, and made sure he bowled really well. It\u2019s great to see that confidence,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
MI were cruising at 90\/2 in 10 overs, but disciplined bowling from CSK, including Kamboj\u2019s 3\/32 and Noor\u2019s 2\/26, ensured they managed only 69 runs in the last 10 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gaikwad believes the bowling unit is growing stronger with each game and every player is playing their part well to help the team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
MI were cruising at 90\/2 in 10 overs, but disciplined bowling from CSK, including Kamboj\u2019s 3\/32 and Noor\u2019s 2\/26, ensured they managed only 69 runs in the last 10 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, with this win, CSK have moved up to the sixth position in the points table with 8 points in nine matches. They will next face the Delhi Capitals on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n