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'Wasn't A Six-Hitting Pitch, But...' - Gaikwad Reveals Key To Success In Chennai

Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrates KKR win with MS Dhoni (X.com)Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrates KKR win with MS Dhoni (X.com)

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad led his team to a comprehensive win against KKR in Chepauk earlier today, and despite a tricky turner wicket, Gaikwad battled risky conditions with a traditional game plan.

After a heartbreaking loss against SRH, Chennai Super Kings regained winning momentum against Kolkata Knight Rider at home. 

After Ravindra Jadeja and Mustafizur Rahman restricted KKR to 137 run target, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased grit, patience, and determination to finish with a 58 ball 67 run innings.

Circling back to his innings, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had a relatively slow start to the season, revealed that with Rahane’s injury, he had to take the responsibility to score at the top to not put a youngster under pressure in tricky conditions.

"Little bit of nostalgia for me. My first 50 in IPL, Mahi bhai was me and we finished the game. With Jinx injured, it was my responsibility to finish. Wicket was a bit tricky but didn't wanted to put youngster into pressure situations," Ruturaj said.

Furthermore, Gaikwad revealed that KKR underperformed as the wicket was definitely good enough to get at least 150-160 runs in the first innings.

"It was 150-160 wicket if you rotate well and get boundaries. Not a six hitting pitch but a 150-160 pitch," he added.

Speaking on Jadeja’s brilliance, the CSK captain said the team has always relied on the spinner to fetch momentum in powerplay.

He also added that the captaincy transition has been the smoothest and easiest process for him as CSK does not need much guidance, and MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming are still present as leaders.

Lastly, Gaikwad addressed his concern about form and opined that he needed luck to get out of the rough patch, and he got that today. However, the strike rate could be a topic of discussion back in the analytics room.

Having said that, while KKR endured their first loss of the season, CSK finally got themselves back in the top four slots of the points table.