“Almost Louder Than a Premier League Game”: CSK Chepauk Crowd Draws Major Comparison

Jamie Overton compared the atmosphere at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to a Premier League match after Chennai Super Kings sealed an eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.

The victory helped Chennai Super Kings complete a league double over Mumbai Indians and marked a strong start to the tournament's "Revenge Week," boosting their confidence heading into the final phase of the season.

Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live', Overton praised the Chepauk atmosphere and highlighted the role of the crowd in lifting the team.

"Getting two points against a very strong Mumbai side gives us confidence going into the upcoming games. Chepauk has one of the most passionate crowds I have played in. When I first came here last year, I remember saying in an interview that it was almost louder than a Premier League game. They are among the best crowds; they follow us everywhere. It is amazing to get all the support here, and I am loving my time in Chennai."

Ravichandran Ashwin highlights Ruturaj Gaikwad's growing impact

While the crowd provided the energy, Chennai's batting was anchored by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose recent performances have helped stabilise the side's campaign.

Speaking on the same show, JioStar expert Ravichandran Ashwin pointed out that Gaikwad's composure and understanding of conditions have made Chennai more dangerous as the season progresses.

"Everyone was talking about his form. This innings was a result of the previous game. It was a challenging wicket, the GT game, and the time he spent in the middle and the knock he played, you cannot compare it with the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Abhishek Sharma. On wickets like these, this is how you should play. Ruturaj played with a great tempo in this game and read the conditions well. His role was important; if CSK had lost one or two more wickets, the pressure would have increased on their batting line-up. He took responsibility, and the way he played, CSK are becoming more dangerous with every match."

Cheteshwar Pujara backs Kartik Sharma after breakthrough knock

Another major positive for Chennai came in the form of young batter Kartik Sharma, whose innings drew praise from former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara.

"This was a very important innings for young Kartik Sharma. CSK have shown a lot of faith in him and given him multiple opportunities. This match against Mumbai was the perfect stage for him to deliver and repay that trust. He did exactly that. On a difficult pitch where spin was expected to dominate the middle overs, CSK needed an Indian batter to partner Ruturaj. Kartik stepped up and took that responsibility well. I am really happy for him because he had not been scoring runs, and there was a lot of talk about his potential. Finally, that trust has paid off for CSK."

CSK playoff hopes strengthened after Mumbai win

With their batting unit rediscovering form and bowling combinations improving, Chennai Super Kings are beginning to look like strong playoff contenders.

Pujara believes the team now has momentum on its side and will back itself to finish inside the top four.

"Chennai will back themselves to make the top four. At the start of the season, they looked like a different side. Their batters were struggling for form, but now, Ruturaj has found his touch again. Sanju Samson is also contributing with runs. Jamie Overton's bowling in the middle and death overs has given them a big boost. CSK will fancy their chances against LSG, who are at the bottom of the table and out of form. The next game against Delhi is the key. If CSK win that, they will have a real shot at qualifying for the playoffs."