With five defeats in ten matches, Chennai Super Kings are at a crucial juncture in the IPL 2024. They are still in the top four but have won just one of their last four matches. With the business end of the IPL 2024 fast approaching, CSK would be wary of the other teams. Any mistake from here on out could see them slide down the ladder in the race for the playoffs. Only the top four teams play in IPL play-offs. However, there is some great news for CSK in the form of new captain Rituraj Gaikwad.
The skipper is now the best run-getter in the IPL 2024 and surpassed Virat Kohli on Wednesday to win the Orange Cap. Gaikwad scored 62 against Punjab Kings and now stands at 509 runs in 10 matches. Virat Kohli has 500 runs in 10 matches.
After CSK lost the match to PBKS despite Gaikwad's performance, some fans started abusing Gaikwad as he surpassed Kohli to get the Orange Cap. But he also received support from some of the fans.
After Lucknow Super Giants breached Chepauk, CSK's fortress was breached for the second time in the current season as CSK bowlers struggled to find their rhythm as dew severely hampered them throughout the night.
“Probably 50-60 runs short, the pitch wasn't great when we batted but it got better later. We fell well short with the impact rule as well,” Gaikwad said in a post-match presentation.
Speaking about the toss: “I've been practicing the toss (during the practice sessions), things aren't going well in the match, I'm not sure what to do. To be honest, I'm under pressure when I go to the middle ( for example, the throw).”
The five-time champions registered a 78-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday.
“We were also surprised that we won the last match by a big margin considering the conditions (say by 78 runs against SRH). I think the conditions and pitch of the last two matches were better which allowed us to fight hard and could get points.” to 200+, today it was not good enough to even reach 180,” Gaikwad added.
With ANI inputs
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