IPL 2025: Gaikwad Critiques Opening Partnership After CSK's Loss to RR
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Synopsis
In a disappointing match against Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed concerns over the lack of solid starts from openers Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi. Despite his own strong performance, the team fell short, highlighting the need for improved collaboration in both batting and bowling departments.
Key Takeaways
- Gaikwad emphasizes the need for better opening partnerships.
- Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi underperformed in the match.
- Gaikwad scored 63 runs but it wasn't enough for victory.
- Bowling performance showed promise with Noor, Khaleel, and Jaddu.
- Team aims to improve starts for better results.
Guwahati, March 31 (NationPress) Captain of Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad, pointed fingers at openers Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi for their lack of strong starts during the IPL 2025 season after the team faced a defeat against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Sunday.
While chasing a target of 183, Rachin was dismissed for a four-ball duck by Jofra Archer, and Tripathi managed to score only 23 runs after struggling to reach double digits in the previous two matches.
Despite Gaikwad scoring a commendable 63 runs off 44 balls, featuring seven fours and a six, it was insufficient for the team to secure a win, as they lost by six runs. Ravindra Jadeja contributed with a quick 32 not out off 22 balls and MS Dhoni chipped in with 16 runs off 11 balls.
In the post-match presentation, Gaikwad stated, "Obviously in the powerplay, Nitish batted well, and we were not proactive knowing he was going behind square; we should have made him play in front of the wicket. We conceded 8-10 runs through misfields. We are working on that. 180 was definitely achievable. The wicket was still good if you hit the pockets. I was optimistic during the innings break. They seemed poised for 210, but 180 was within reach."
He added, "Unfortunately, we haven’t been getting the right starts, but once we do, things will change. (On a positive note) Noor bowled well as usual, Khaleel also performed and Jaddu bhai bowled excellently. Momentum in the bowling department is essential. I believe that once everything aligns, we will become a formidable team."
Regarding his position as the No.3 batsman, Gaikwad said, "Historically, Ajinkya batted at three and Rayudu handled the middle overs. We thought it would be advantageous for me to come in later to manage the middle overs while Tripathi could play aggressively at the start. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter since I’ve been batting early in the last three games (smiles). This was decided during the auction, and I have no issues with it. I can take risks when necessary and rotate the strike efficiently."
Earlier, Nitish Rana scored a rapid 81 runs off 36 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes, leading Rajasthan Royals to a total of 182/9 in 20 overs. This marked Rajasthan's first victory of the season after previous losses to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders.
