Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday (May 20) secured a playoffs berth in IPL 2023 with a thumping 77-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

Opting to bat first, CSK piled up a massive 223/3 on the board on the back of half-centuries from Devon Conway (87 off 52) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (79 off 50).

In reply, the Capitals managed only 146/9 in their allotted 20 over. Skipper David Warner waged a lone battle during the chase, scoring 86 off 58 balls with 7 fours and 5 sixes.

For CSK, Deepak Chahar (3-22), Matheesha Pathirana (2-22) and Maheesh Theekshana (2-23) starred with the ball.

Speaking after the game, Gaikwad said it was an important fixture for CSK and they had to win, while adding that it’s more special for him to smash a fifty in his 50th IPL appearance.

Notably, Gaikwad was adjudged Player-of-the-Match for his dazzling knock, which included 3 fours and 7 sixes.

“Obviously, important game. As you said, it was an important game and we had to win it. It makes it more special for me to play this knock in my 50th game. Such a great franchise to be part of and I am glad for the support they give me,” said Gaikwad at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“The wicket was holding up a bit and with shorter straight boundaries compared to that of square boundaries, I was aiming over the bowler's head. In Chennai, there are longer boundaries and you need to rotate the strike more than hitting the ropes. With Shivam Dube and Mahi Bhai still left in the dugout, I went hard once I was well set,” he added.

Gaikwad and Conway forged a 141-run stand for the opening wicket to lead the foundation of CSK’s huge total.

“(On Devon Conway) He had 1-2 areas where he wanted to improve, and he's improved a lot. Playing at home in Chennai can be tough, but he's adjusted very well. He's a guy who's always open to conversation, I love having him around even off the field,” Gaikwad remarked.