Chennai Super Kings (CSK) delivered a commanding performance against Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2026 encounter on Saturday, securing a comprehensive eight-wicket victory. In what is often billed as the league’s most intense rivalry, CSK showed composure and clarity in both departments to outplay their opponents.
Mumbai Indians posted a competitive 159 for seven, but the total never truly looked threatening on a surface that rewarded smart batting. Chennai’s chase began with intent, but a couple of early wickets briefly brought MI back into the contest. However, the middle-order stepped up at the right time, ensuring there were no further twists in the game. With a well-paced approach and controlled aggression, CSK chased down the target comfortably with 29 balls remaining, underlining their dominance.
Kartik Sharma recreates iconic MS Dhoni celebration
While the victory itself was impressive, it was young Kartik Sharma who became the talking point after the match. Moments after sealing his maiden IPL half-century, Kartik pulled off a “gun-point” celebration that instantly reminded fans of MS Dhoni and his famous gesture from 2005.
The celebration quickly went viral, sparking nostalgia among cricket lovers. Dhoni had famously used the same gesture during his unforgettable 183* against Sri Lanka in Jaipur — an innings that remains one of the finest in ODI history.
What made Kartik’s moment even more interesting was his revelation after the game. The 20-year-old shared that the celebration was pre-planned. He had already decided that if he reached a milestone, he would mark it in that fashion. While he clarified that it wasn’t directly inspired by Dhoni, the similarities were too striking to ignore.
In a team where Dhoni’s legacy still looms large, the gesture felt symbolic — a young cricketer embracing the moment in his own style while echoing a piece of cricketing history.
Here’s the video:
An unorthodox finishing touch to a classic rivalry! 🎬
🎥 @ChennaiIPL complete the double over their arch-rivals #MI in style 💛
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/VVAjldiiC0#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #CSKvMI | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/yeBWsXZ6Lu
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 2, 2026
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Match-winning knock signals arrival of a rising star
Beyond the celebration, Kartik’s performance with the bat was the foundation of CSK’s victory. Walking in after early setbacks, he displayed maturity and calmness that belied his age. He remained unbeaten on 54 off 40 balls, anchoring the innings with a blend of smart strike rotation and timely boundaries. He found an ideal partner in skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who contributed a fluent 67 not out. Together, the duo stitched a crucial partnership that took the game away from Mumbai Indians.
Kartik’s innings was not flashy but effective — exactly what the situation demanded. He absorbed pressure, built his innings patiently, and accelerated when required, showcasing a well-rounded batting approach. At just 20 years and six days old, he has already etched his name as one of the youngest CSK batters to score a half-century in the IPL. More importantly, he demonstrated temperament, awareness, and confidence — qualities that often define long-term success.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kartik Sharma lead CSK to emphatic win over MI in IPL 2026