Ruturaj Gaikwad starred with the bat for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2023 opener against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 31).

Opening the innings, Gaikwad slammed 92 off 50 balls. His knock was studded with 4 fours and 9 sixes.

Impressed with his innings, legendary India batter Virender Sehwag showered a massive compliment on Gaikwad while also mentioning Virat Kohli.

“I often use these words for Virat Kohli, but the way he batted today, it was a real joy to my eyes. That's the way he batted. No one was able to connect shots (for CSK) in that innings, everyone was getting out early, but he continued with his strong shots. He scored more sixes than fours in his innings! And that's when he doesn't have a reputation of scoring sixes,” Sehwag said in the mid-match show on Cricbuzz.

“Yes, he did hit seven sixes in an over in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy domestic tournament last season. And I don't think that record will ever be broken. This was a brilliant innings. I think he would be disappointed to not score a century, and the height call on delivery was debatable. But then again, umpire's decision is paramount,” he added.

Gaikwad’s knock, however, went in vain as the Super Kings suffered a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans. On the back of the opener’s innings, CSK posted 178/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, the defending champions rode on Shubman Gill’s 36-ball 63 and vital contributions from Rahul Tewatia (15*) and Rashid Khan (10* off 3 balls) to overhaul the target with four deliveries to spare.