Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was delighted after they thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 78 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday. CSK posted a par score of 212 runs on the board whereas SRH was bundled out for 134 runs after Cummins decided to bowl first.
Ruturaj Gaikwad continued to lead from the front as he scored a fine knock of 98 runs off just 54 balls with the help of 10 fours and three sixes. Gaikwad was disappointed to miss a few balls at the fag end and thought they might be 10 runs short.
Daryl Mitchell got back to form as he scored 52 runs whereas Shivam Dube added the finishing touches with a 20-ball 39.
Ruturaj Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation, “Feeling pretty good. Tough to play in such wet conditions, and to be able to win by 70-odd runs is a clinical performance. It was a blessing in disguise at toss. Everything is good (injury concern?). Too hot and humid conditions. Even the last game, was there batting for 20 overs and fielding for 20 overs. Today also almost same. Wasn’t thinking about a hundred. Wanted to make sure we get to 220-odd. I was disappointed that I missed 4-5 hits at the back end. During innings break I felt it could make a difference and I was upset. But thankfully it was enough.”
Gaikwad showered praise on Tushar Deshpande, who got the big wickets of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Deshpande returned with impressive figures of 3-27 whereas Gaikwad also lauded Ravindra Jadeja for bowling an economical spell (1-22 in four overs).
Gaikwad added, “He’s bowling really well (Deshpande). His hard work is paying off. Special mention to Jaddu as well. In these wet conditions to go for 22 runs, that was the match turning spell.”
Chennai Super Kings will next take on Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.