When a no-ball was announced in Qualifier 1 between CSK and GT, Darshan Nalkande’s celebration of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s wicket was halted.

In the IPL 2023 Playoffs, Nalkande took Yash Dayal’s place in the Gujarat Titans’ starting lineup, scoring in the first over when he caught Gaikwad chipping the ball to Shubman Gill at midwicket.

Nehra joins the drama after Gaikwad’s acerbic response terrifies Chahar, leaving Hardik helpless after Nalkande’s unlucky no-ball.

The hooter rang, signalling that Nalkande had overstepped, overturning the decision as the GT players surrounded the pacer in celebration of his early success.

The Gujarat Titans paid a price for Darshan Nalkande’s no-ball

pic.twitter.com/N7rUSkLnjG

— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) May 23, 2023

Nalkande was devastated by the decision and Captain Hardik Pandya appeared to be going numb as all he could muster at the time was a smile.

However, Hardik, being the inspirational captain that he is, encouraged his promising youngster to keep going by approaching him, speaking to him and smiling the entire time.

This is what a coach should do, Ashish Nehra was seen talking to young Nalkande immediately after No Ball drama in first over. #GTvsCSK #CSKvsGT pic.twitter.com/VMzuHJ1Hjh

— Vikram Rajput (@iVikramRajput) May 23, 2023

The conversation didn’t go as planned because Gaikwad grabbed hold of the free hit and smacked it for six. Deepak Chahar in the dugout was forced to seek cover after being struck hard by Gaikwad.

The hit freed CSK, who hadn’t moved until then and Gaikwad’s subsequent boundary made it a 14-run over. Darshan welcome to the IPL’s pressure.

As Nalkande returned to a field near the boundary right after the over. GT coach Ashish Nehra approached him and spoke with the young player.

Nehra was animated as he reportedly attempted to encourage Nalkande and persuade him to keep fighting. With eight runs conceded, Nalkande’s second over was only marginally better.

The dramatic no-ball turned out to be a blessing in disguise for CSK as soon as it happened. Gaikwad and Devon Conway got to work and formed their ninth partnership of the year, which lasted more than fifty runs.

Gaikwad mistimed a hit and was taken by David Miller following a fine 60 off 44. Conway and Gaikwad are currently CSK’s second most successful opening pair.

The winner of the first Qualifier receives a direct ticket to the IPL championship. While the losing team will have another chance on Wednesday when they face the winner of the Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants at the same location.