IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings have made a rough start to IPL 2025, as the joint-record-time champions have now lost consecutive matches, and are languishing at 7th in the table with two wins.
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is under immense pressure now, as h managed to avoid yt another failure by scoring a fighting 63 against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, but still ended up on the losing side, as CSK fell short off the target by 6 runs.
Speaking after the match, the CSK skipper admitted that the match was tilted in RR’s favour right within the powerplay when Nitish Rana smashed a quickfire fifty, and that, there are no ‘discussions’ taking place on his batting position.
Here’s What Ruturaj Gaikwad Said During Post-Match Presentation Ceremony
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings Captain):
“Obviously, we lost it during the powerplay of their innings when Nitish Rana was going all guns blazing. We weren’t proactive. He was going behind square on the leg side with the sweeps, so we had to be more ahead. It is always about one hit, and we were one hit away from crossing the line.”
“We gave away 8-10 runs on the field. We are trying to improve on it after each match, but it cost us tonight. 180-odd was still chaseable. It was a good wicket. If you timed the ball well, it was a good wicket. I was happy towards the end of the innings that we pulled things back. They were looking like getting to 210-plus.”
“Over the years, we had Ajinkya Rahane batting a number 3 and Ambati Rayudu taking care of the middle order. We thought it would be better if I came back one step. So, I batted at number 3. Rahul Tripathi is known for playing aggressive roles up at the top order, and he can free himself up. Not much difference anyway, so I am getting to bat in the first or second over itself.”
“Till now, no discussions have happened about me batting at number three. It was pre-planned. It was decided during the auction time, and I was convinced about that. I have no problem. I can bat anywhere. I can take risks and rotate strikes when needed. That is what you want to do when you have Shivam Dube.”
“We have not been able to get good starts. Once we get that going, we will be a really good batting unit. Long flight, looking forward to it. Lots of positives for us -Noor Ahmad, as usual, bowling well, Khaleel Ahmed is bowling well and Jadeja also bowled well.”
“You need that sort of momentum in the bowling department when you get a wicket to build pressure. Not happening for us since the last game, once fielding comes together, we will definitely be a really good side.”
