Gaikwad played a measured knock of 67* to take CSK over the line against KKR.
Opting to bowl first, the defending champions restricted KKR to a below-par total of 137/9. Ravindra Jadeja starred with the ball for CSK, claiming three scalps by conceding only 18 runs in his four overs. Tushar Deshpande (3/33), Mustafizur Rahman (2/22) and Maheesh Theekshana (1/28) were also among the wickets.
In reply, the hosts rode on captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s measured knock of 67* in 58 balls to overhaul the target with 14 deliveries to spare. Opening the innings, Gaikwad stayed till the end and finished the job along with his predecessor MS Dhoni (1*).
After the game, Gaikwad turned nostalgic as he recalled his first fifty in the Indian Premier League with MS Dhoni on the other side.
The CSK skipper also acknowledged the responsibility that fell on his shoulders, especially with the absence of the injured Ajinkya Rahane.
“Little nostalgic for me. Remember my first fifty in IPL, Mahi bhai was with me and we finished the match in same situation. With Jinks slightly injured, I felt it was my responsibility to stay till the end on a wicket which was slightly tricky. Was a 150-160 wicket - if you rotate a little bit and look for boundaries. Wasn't a six-hitting pitch. It is what we've been following through the years,” Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Jaddu always comes after powerplay. With this team I don't need to tell things to anyone. Everyone is in great headspace. You have Mahi bhai still there, you have Fleming still there. I wouldn't say slow start (for him in this tournament). In T20 there are times when you nick off, you get those one-two balls. Sometimes you need little bit of luck to get going. And I feel today it was perfect where I could take my time little bit - something to talk for experts after the game about my strike rate. Good to get the win," he added.
With this clinical performance, CSK returned to winning ways after suffering two back-to-back defeats. They are currently holding the fourth spot in the team standings with 6 points from 5 games.
Chennai Super Kings will next face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 14).