Riding on the scintillating exhibitions from Ruturaj Gaikwad (72) and Ravindra Jadeja (31*), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registered a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) while chasing 173 in Dubai on Thursday.
This was CSK’s fifth win in IPL 2020 and Ruturaj’s second consecutive fifty in the tournament that put the MS Dhoni-led unit in a winning position.
“It is feeling good. Pretty confident as well. I have backed myself. Both the innings when I got out early, I knew the situation was a little tough. Covid has made me tough. As our captain says, face every situation with a smile. I stayed positive and didn’t think much about the future,” said Pune-born in the post-match presentation.
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Chasing 173 in 20 overs could have been tricky, however, the 50-run opening partnership by CSK set the foundation for their victory. Post Watson’s dismissal, Ambati Rayudu played a berserking knock of 38 in 20 deliveries comprising 5 fours and a six and steered the three-time IPL champions closer to the total.
Though the Men in Yellow lost the wickets of Rayudu and MS Dhoni in the 14th and 15th overs respectively and followed by Gaikwad in the 18th overs, the chase was eventually pulled off courtesy of the explosive cameo from Ravindra Jadeja who struck an unbeaten 11-ball 31.
Doesn’t feel we are out of the tournament: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shortly after the presentation ceremony, Gaikwad had a light conversation with teammate Shane Watson wherein the former spoke about his run with the bat and although CSK is no longer in the race to playoffs, he wishes that the team finishes the tournament on a winning note.
“Obviously looking to continue my form and win for the team, nothing else matters. Hopefully, we finish the tournament with a win and continue the momentum next year,” Gaikwad told Watson in a video posted on IPLT20.com.
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The 23-year-old added that the team atmosphere has been quite relaxing since the first game of the season.
“Atmosphere is pretty relaxed. Does not feel we are out of the tournament. The atmosphere during the first game and during this game was the same. It helps a lot.”
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Lastly, Watson praised Gaikwad for his top-notch exhibition in the concluded contest.
“It has been a privilege to see Ruturaj bat so incredibly well and so composed. For a young guy and at a big stage like IPL, to be able to bat as he has is very impressive. And to be able to take on guys like Pat Cummins, Ferguson, and Sunil Narine,” said the Australian cricketer.
CSK will play their last league game against KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the first match of the double-header on November 1 in Abu Dhabi.
