Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opened their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 campaign with a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 31).
Asked to bat first, CSK posted 178/7 in their allotted 20 overs on the back of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 92 off 50 balls, including 4 fours and 9 sixes.
In reply, the defending champions rode on Shubman Gill’s 36-ball 63 to overhaul the target with four deliveries to spare.
After the game, CSK skipper MS Dhoni acknowledged that their middle overs batting let them down in the tournament opener.
After a brisk start given by Gaikwad, the four-time champions looked on course for a 200 plus total before Titans stemmed the flow of runs in the middle overs.
“We all knew there will be dew. We could have done a bit more with the batsman ship. Ruturaj (Gaikwad) was brilliant, he times the ball well and he’s a pleasure to watch. The way he picks his options, it is pleasing to watch. I think it’s important for the youngsters to step in,” said Dhoni at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Dhoni, however, praised IPL debutant Rajvardhan Hangargekar who returned with the figures of 3 for 36 in his four overs.
“I think Raj (Hangargekar) has pace and he will get better with time. Think the bowlers will get better, a no-ball is something that’s in your control, so you need to work on that. I felt two left armers will be a better option so I went ahead with them. Shivam (Dube) was an option, but I felt comfortable with the bowlers overall,” he added.
On the other hand, GT captain Hardik Pandya was pleased with his team’s outing.
“We did put ourselves in a difficult situation but Rahul and Rashid did very well. We were happy at the mid-innings because at one point they looked like getting 200, but we got those couple of wickets to pull things back.”
Commenting on the introduction of ‘Impact Player’ rule in the IPL, Hardik said: “Having this Impact rule makes my job difficult. I have too many options, and because of this someone will bowl less. This game I realised bowling hard lengths was the way to go, that’s why Alzarri bowled late.
“Having Rashid is a real asset, he will get you wickets and get you some runs late down the order as well.”
(With PTI Inputs)
