Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ravindra Jadeja on Sunday (3rd April) backed young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad to come good in the IPL 2022. He also talked about the loss his side suffered against Punjab Kings (PBKS), saying that they need to find a way to get better.
CSK registered their third straight loss in the ongoing IPL 15. The Jadeja-led side was at the receiving end of 54 runs loss against the Punjab Kings in Mumbai. Bowling first, after winning the toss, the ‘Men in Yellow’ started brilliantly as they removed Mayank Agarwal (4) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (9) within the first two overs.
But after that, Liam Livingstone (60) smashed a brutal half-century and took his side into a comfortable position. He was supported well by Shikhar Dhawan (33) and Jitesh Sharma (26). In the end, vital contributions from Rahul Chahar and Kagiso Rabada helped PBKS post a total of 180/8 on the board.
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Chasing the target, CSK had a forgettable start as Ruturaj Gaikwad (1) yet again went back for a low score after two poor outings in the first two games. PBKS then were all over the Super Kings and reduced them to 36/5.
Shivam Dube tried to bring his side back in the game by scoring a half-century. But in the end, it was too much for him to chase alone as Punjab Kings completed a comprehensive 54-run victory to register their second win of the season.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Ravindra Jadeja admitted that his side lost too many wickets in the powerplay and failed to find momentum.
“We lost too many wickets in the powerplay, we didn’t find the momentum from ball one. We need to find a way to get better and come back stronger," Ravindra Jadeja said.
Jadeja talked about Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form. He said that they need to give young batter confidence and they’ll ‘definitely’ back him.
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“We need to give him confidence, we need to back him, we all know that he’s a very good player. We’ll definitely back him and I am sure that he’ll come good," he said.
Jadeja praised Shivam Dube for his knock of 30-ball 57 and said that keeping the all-rounder in a good frame of mind will be key for them. He added that they will give their best and will come good in the next match.
“He (Dube) has been batting so well, he batted well today, keeping him in a good frame of mind would be the key. Definitely, we’ll try our best, work hard and come back stronger," he said.
Chennai Super Kings will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on 9th April. The match will take place at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
(News 18 inputs)
