Chennai Super Kings players celebrate after winning the IPL 2023 first qualifier cricket match against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on May 23, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI
Opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad attributed the success of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the current IPL to their pre-season camp and praised the team management for making the players feel safe and speak their minds clearly. duties.
Four-time champions CSK set themselves up for a fifth IPL title triumph after they cruised into the final with a 15-run victory over holders Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 in Chennai on May 23.
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“The camp is very important because a new surface is being laid in Chennai,” Gaikwad said in the post-match press conference.
“Everyone is not sure how the wicket is going to be or how the wicket is going to play. But sometimes when you play on a flat track, you don’t have to think so much about your shots and less about the opposition’s bowling. .
“Sometimes batsmen play good shots and hat him. Even when you’re batting, it’s about getting into the zone.”
Gaikwad makes his assessment after CSK beat Gujarat Titans on a tricky Chepauk pitch to make their 10th IPL final.
Many CSK players, including Gaikwad himself, had never played an IPL game in Chennai before this season. The camp began on March 3, with captain Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu among the first batch of players to arrive in the city.
“A lot of effort goes into our success,” Gaikwad said.
“It started last year when we didn’t qualify for the playoffs. Obviously, management has to do something and there are things we need to improve and put effort into, or add someone.
“This year, right from the first game, I think we were clinical and sure about who was going to play and who wasn’t going to play and what our probable 12 or 13 or 15 would be,” Gaikwad noted.
“I think from the first game everyone knew about their roles. When the Sri Lankans came late — Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana — I think they were up to the mark even in the first game .
“So, I think we were pretty much playing with the same team and just continued the momentum. And hats off to everyone — the support staff and the management as well,” he said. In the match, CSK did well to reach 172 for 7 on a slow pitch after Hardik Pandya opted to bowl.
Considering the conditions, it turned out to be more than a competitive total as Gujarat Titans had a rare day off to finish with 157 all out in 20 overs.
Rashid Khan sent CSK fans into a frenzy with a 16-ball 30 at the end but it wasn’t enough for the Titans.
