IPL 2024: CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals why he didn't open against MI

Ajinkya Rahane opened for CSK alongside Rachin Ravindra instead of Ruturaj Gaikwad against MI.

Following their win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has opened up on why Ajinkya Rahane opened the innings for the visitors instead of him during the high-voltage clash.

After being asked to bat first, Gaikwad didn’t came out to open the innings along with overseas batter Rachin Ravindra. However, it was Rahane who came to bat. The move didn’t work as the veteran batter Rahane, departed for just five runs in the second over.

Mumbai speedster Gerald Coetzee took his wicket. With the visitors losing a wicket early, Gaikwad took the responsibility on his shoulders and played a brilliant innings.

Firstly, he added a 52-run stand along with Ravindra. Then he stitched a crucial partnership of 90 runs with hard-hitter Shivam Dube. However, in the 16th over of the match, MI skipper Hardik removed Gaikwad.

During Gaikwad’s stay at the crease, he hammered 69 runs in 40 deliveries, including five boundaries and five sixes. Apart from him, Dube also registered a half-century. Towards the end, it was MS Dhoni’s cameo off 4-ball 20, which helped visitors post 206/4 in 20 overs.

While chasing 207, MI opener Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten century went in vain as the hosts lost the match by 20 runs. CSK Pacer Matheesha Pathirana picked a four-wicket haul, as none of the other MI batters could cross 50-run mark in the innings.

Ajinkya Rahane was carrying a niggle: Ruturaj Gaikwad on not opening the innings for CSK

After winning the ‘EL Classico’ of the IPL, CSK skipper Gaikwad stated that senior player Rahane was having a niggle, so he decided to send him as an opener and make use of the powerplay. The 27-year-old Gaikwad also added that he is fine batting anywhere.

“Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) was carrying a bit of niggle, so thought it was better for him to open and get as many runs in the powerplay. I’m fine batting anywhere, plus it is the added responsibility as the team’s captain,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said during the post-match presentation.

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