Frustration? Not something Ruturaj Gaikwad is feeling, even after that heavy loss to Rajasthan Royals. Outplayed from start to finish in Guwahati’s Barsapara stadium, the five-time champs crumbled early. Their total stopped at 127, a number kept above water only because Jamie Overton, batting at eight, smashed 43. Without him, the scoreboard might’ve blinked under triple digits before tea.
That chase saw the Royals reach the total inside only 12.1 overs, losing two wickets – their largest margin of victory by deliveries left in an IPL match. Gaikwad pointed to the damp outfield as a major factor behind his side’s collapse at Guwahati. Rain had soaked the ground before play began, leaving things sluggish underfoot; even so, CSK failed badly when batting
Gaikwad addresses broadcasters after loss
CSK captain Gaikwad spoke to the broadcasters and reflected on the loss. “(Frustrated?) Not much, to be honest. I felt the conditions at the start were really tough, especially when facing Jofra and Burger,” Gaikwad said after the loss.
Bowling those sharp lines made things hard early, yet still – against someone slower – it stayed tricky. Even the spinners found help bouncing around. True, more runs with the bat might’ve pushed us further, played it out longer, built something solid by 150 or so. Lately though, no number feels safe, so pushing on stays the only way. Fair to say, maybe the pitch played harder than usual that day. Not upset in the least, he said.
Fumbling at first? That works too, says Gaikwad
Still, the CSK captain said they’d leave this match in the past, focusing only on getting better. Behind every setback lies a chance – this one no different. Three days until the next clash shapes how quickly things shift. Minds need to settle, that much is clear. Young players fill the squad, which changes the feel entirely. Nerves showed early, sure, yet playing through errors helps more than hiding from them. Getting back into rhythm matters most now. Maybe things get better now. He spoke softly, not convinced that extremes ever help much.
It’s tricky guessing the right total now that the impact player rule exists. Most times, matches won’t stretch deep into the final overs if a team is protecting something like 150, 160, maybe even 170. Confidence matters more than anything else out there – trust how you play your shots, especially if you’re batting. When the chance comes, take it without hesitation. Things did not fall our way today. Still, there’s room to sharpen how we handle the bat next time. Finding light in tough moments matters most at the start of a game, says Gaikwad. When skies clear and fields shine bright, that familiar group up top might just build something solid instead.
CSK faces PBKS next
Friday, April 3 brings the match at MA Chidambaram Stadium under clear skies. Coming off a rough opening, CSK shift focus toward recovery mode. Punjab Kings arrive with depth in roster plus explosive players ready to pounce on gaps. Batsmen must hold firm for Chennai, while bowlers aim to rattle opposition early. Balance matters more now, given how tightly contests shape up lately. A chance to reset waits just around the corner.
