Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals he ‘never felt any pressure’ leading CSK in IPL 2024 opener against RCB, says ‘I had experience on how…’

On March 22, Ruturaj Gaikwad became the fourth captain to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Gaikwad started his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey as CSK’s captain with a comfortable six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home. His captaincy was tested early on and in the death overs but the 27-year-old said that he ‘never felt any pressure’ and MS Dhoni’s help made it easier for him.

“Total control I would say, right from the start (apart) from 2-3 overs. Would’ve loved 10-15 runs less but I think they played really well towards the end. I feel that was a big turning point to get Maxwell and Faf out. We got three quick wickets and it helped us control the next overs, that was the real turning point. I’ve always enjoyed it (captaincy), never felt it as an additional pressure. I had experience on how to handle it, never felt any pressure, obviously had Mahi bhai as well,” Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation.

Gaikwad finds one flaw in CSK’s run chase
The opener departed for a run-a-ball 15. While CSK chased down the target of 174 with eight balls to spare and six wickets in hand, he felt that one of the batters from top order should have been there to finish the game.

“I think everyone in our squad are natural strokeplayers, I think even Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) is playing really positively. Everyone knows their roles and which bowlers to take on. Role clarity really helps. Two-three things to work on, everyone batted well but I think if someone from the top 3 batted till the 15th over it would’ve been even easier,” he said.

CSK extended their stellar record at home against RCB. The last time RCB won in Chennai was in the inaugural edition of the IPL. Since then, RCB have lost to CSK in Chennai on eight occasions.

CSK, RCB achieve IPL history
Meanwhile, RCB and CSK combined to create IPL history. No batter from either side scored a half-century. The aggregate of 349 is the highest in an IPL game with no batter registering a fifty-plus score.