In the IPL 2024 season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Ruturaj Gaikwad, the new captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), pinpointed the pivotal moments of Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell’s dismissals as the turning point. RCB, batting first, commenced aggressively, reaching 33/0 in a mere three overs.
However, the tide turned swiftly as du Plessis and Maxwell fell within one over, leaving RCB struggling at 42/3. Despite RCB eventually posting 173/6, it proved to be a manageable target for CSK, who chased it down comfortably with six wickets in hand.
Gaikwad in a post match conference said: “I feel that was a big turning point to get Maxwell and Faf out. We got three quick wickets and it helped us control the next overs, that was the real turning point.”
Reflecting on his captaincy, Gaikwad’s predecessor, Ajinkya Rahane, who assumed the role just before the IPL 2024 season began, expressed minimal additional pressure. He emphasized the presence of natural stroke players in the team, notably praising Rahane for his 27-run knock off 19 balls, inclusive of two sixes.
He added: “I’ve always enjoyed it (captaincy), never felt it as an additional pressure. I had experience on how to handle it, never felt any pressure, obviously had Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai as well.”
“I think everyone in our squad are natural strokeplayers, I think even Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) is playing really positively. Everyone knows their roles and which bowlers to take on. Role clarity really helps. Two-three things to work on, everyone batted well but I think if someone from the top 3 batted till the 15th over it would’ve been even easier.”
Looking ahead, CSK gears up for another high-profile encounter against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Chennai on Tuesday. This upcoming clash promises to be another standout fixture in the IPL 2024 season.
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