Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad played a heroic innings to help his team beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 13 runs to register its third win of the ongoing IPL 2022 on May 1.
Gaikwad played a stunning knock of 99 runs off 57 balls laced with 6 sixes and as many fours, as well as stitched a massive opening-wicket stand of 182 in 17.5 overs with Devon Conway (85) to help CSK post 202/2 on the board against SRH in the 46th match of the ongoing IPL 2022.
At the MCA Stadium on Sunday, Mukesh Choudhary snared four wickets to help CSK restrict SRH to 189/6 and win the match by 13 runs. It was CSK’s third win of their 9 matches in the IPL 15.
Well, missing a ton by just a single run would really hit Gaikwad hard, but the opener isn’t too sad about missing out, as he was elated to contribute to his team’s win and perform well in front of his family and friends at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Sunday.
Gaikwad said after the match, that his family was at the ground to watch him play: “It’s always special to score big at your home ground, but more importantly, I’m happy because I contributed towards the team’s win. There was no pressure of performing in front of family and friends, but I wanted to make them proud. Doing well in front of them is a big achievement. I was waiting for the moment and, thankfully, I did well.”
On his opening partnership with Conway, the opener said: “I enjoyed batting with Devon. I am delighted for him as it was only his second match and he scored his maiden IPL fifty. We haven’t played together much, but we spend a lot of time in my room. Hence, we got to know about each other’s game, how we communicate and how we react to certain situations on the field.”
Gaikwad signed off by saying, “We already had off-field conversations and, thankfully, we shared a decent partnership. Getting out on 99 made me a little sad, but I was happy that I was able to gain momentum and take the pressure off Devon. Whether it’s 99 or 100, winning the game is important.”
(With India Today Inputs)
