Cricket

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) new skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, has been enduring a dismal run of luck in coin tosses this Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In Wednesday's match against Punjab Kings, Gaikwad lost his ninth coin flip in 10 matches, a streak that has become a source of frustration for the team.Punjab Kings capitalized on the toss advantage and the conditions at Chepauk, exploiting the opportunity to hand CSK a seven-wicket defeat on their home ground. Gaikwad acknowledged the pressure he feels during coin tosses and revealed that he has even been practicing them before matches."I've practiced the tosses (during the practice sessions), it's not going well in the match, not sure what to do. To be truthful, I'm under pressure when I go to the middle (for the toss), not at the game," Gaikwad said after the match.CSK's batting performance was lackluster, managing only 162 runs after being put into bat. Punjab Kings chased down the target with 13 balls to spare, thanks in part to the dew factor that aided their chase.Gaikwad admitted that his side was around 50-60 runs short and that the dew factor played a significant role in Punjab's victory. "Probably 50-60 runs short, the pitch wasn't great when we batted, it got better later on. With the impact rule as well, we were well short.""Very difficult (on defending 162 in dew). Even in the last game, we were quite surprised that we would win by that much margin. This is something we can't control. We can slightly bat better in the first innings. In the last 2 games, we tried our best to get 200-210. This pitch it was tough to get 180," Gaikwad added.With 5 wins and 5 defeats in 10 matches, defending champions CSK sit at the fourth spot on the points table. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have 4 wins in 10 outings and are on the 7th spot.

Chennai Super Kings' Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, surpassing Royal Challengers Bangalore's Virat Kohli. Gaikwad's exceptional batting performances have propelled him to the top of the run-scoring charts, with an impressive tally of 509 runs in just 10 matches.Gaikwad's remarkable consistency has been a key factor in his success. He has scored a century and four fifties so far, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 146.69. His ability to score runs at a brisk pace while maintaining a high strike rate has made him a valuable asset to the Chennai Super Kings.In the recent match against Punjab Kings, Gaikwad once again showcased his batting prowess, scoring a well-timed six off Sam Curran to bring up his third consecutive fifty in the tournament. His 48-ball 62 played a crucial role in CSK's modest total of 162 for seven.Gaikwad's consistent performances have been instrumental in CSK's success this season. His ability to provide a solid foundation at the top of the order has allowed the team to build strong totals and put pressure on the opposition.While Virat Kohli is just nine runs behind Gaikwad in the run-scoring charts, it is expected that Gaikwad will retain the Orange Cap in the upcoming matches. His impressive form and consistency make him a strong contender to finish as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2024.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for an intriguing clash between the inconsistent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the unpredictable Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 1 in Chennai.CSK, the defending champions, have been struggling for consistency, with 10 points from nine matches. They will be eager to break away from the mid-table gridlock with a win. However, they face a formidable challenge in PBKS, who have six points from nine games but are coming off a record-breaking chase of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders.The Chepauk deck offers assistance to bowlers, as evidenced by CSK's impressive 78-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous match. The CSK bowlers defanged SRH's potent batting unit with their accuracy and variations. They will need a similar performance against PBKS.CSK's batting has been led by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has registered scores of 108 and 98 in his last two innings. New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell also seems to have regained his touch with a 32-ball 52 against Hyderabad. However, the real storm-force in the CSK line-up is Shivam Dube, who has pulverized opposition bowlers while coming as an Impact Sub.Dube has made 350 runs, second highest for CSK behind Gaikwad's 447, and those runs came at a strike-rate of 172.41, second only to MS Dhoni's 259.45. However, the CSK opening combination continues to be a bit iffy. Gaikwad has been a solid presence, but both Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane have failed to play the support role effectively.PBKS, on the other hand, will be desperate to carry the momentum after that record chase and climb up the ladder from the current eighth place. Their batters need to fire in unison once again, with Jonny Bairstow, Shashank Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh being key contributors. However, they will eye a more impact outing from wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma.PBKS' bowling department looks a bit shaky despite having experienced campaigners such as Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran in their ranks. The visitors will also require a much-improved effort from their spinners -- Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar – as they have scalped just seven wickets among them this season.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 27-year-old batting sensation, has taken the reins as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for the franchise, which was previously led by the legendary MS Dhoni.Gaikwad's transition to captaincy has been met with both challenges and accolades. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey acknowledged the difficulty of succeeding Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. "It has been challenging for him as well. He has taken over as captain to which you have to take your hat off to him. He is succeeding the greatest of all time in this country," Hussey said.Despite the pressure, Gaikwad has thrived in his new role. His ability to anticipate bowlers' moves and stay one step ahead has been crucial to his success. "Gaikwad is such a wonderful player. He is a brilliant timer of the cricket ball. I've been asking him what his secret is in terms of his placement since he always finds the gaps," Hussey said.Gaikwad's batting prowess was on full display in CSK's recent victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 99 runs off 57 balls. This followed his unbeaten 108 in the previous match.Hussey praised Gaikwad's versatility and adaptability. "He is a smart batsman as well. He knows when to attack and when to soak up pressure. He plays spin and seam well. He can score all around the ground. He's almost one step ahead of the bowlers a lot of times. He is wonderful to watch. Very thankful that he is in our team."While strike rate is often emphasized in T20 cricket, Hussey believes that CSK focuses on individual player assessment and adaptability. "We don't talk about it (S/R) much at all. We talk about each player since they need to assess the conditions out in the middle as quickly as they can. The batter needs to take up the responsibility and the ownership in the middle," he said.Hussey also expressed his satisfaction with Daryll Mitchell's performance at number three. Mitchell scored his first IPL half-century against SRH, contributing 52 runs off 32 balls. "It's not easy. He's a new player who comes to the team, even Rachin Ravindra, for that matter, and we expect them to come in and fit in right away and go out and perform. But in reality, it's not that easy," Hussey explained."He has been moving up and down the batting order, which can be destabilizing for him, but he has found a nice role in number three, and he can feel comfortable at it. Hopefully, it is the start of some consistent form moving forward."

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad hailed star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's performance with the ball as a "match-turning spell" following CSK's resounding 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday.CSK dominated proceedings comprehensively, asserting control in all aspects of the game and leaving SRH struggling. Gaikwad highlighted Jadeja's contribution with the ball, deeming it as the turning point of the match, particularly in the wet conditions."Special mention to Jaddu as well. In these wet conditions to go for 22 runs, that was the match-turning spell," Gaikwad emphasized during the post-match presentation.Jadeja, known for his all-round abilities, delivered an economical four-over spell, conceding just 22 runs and crucially dismissing SRH's Nitish Reddy.Reflecting on CSK's batting performance after being put in to bat by SRH skipper Pat Cummins, Gaikwad expressed satisfaction with the team's overall display. Despite falling just two runs short of his second century of the season, Gaikwad focused on the collective effort and hailed CSK's clinical performance."Tough to play in such wet conditions, and to be able to win by 70-odd runs is a clinical performance," Gaikwad remarked.Gaikwad also highlighted the team's improved fielding and adherence to plans, attributing the victory to a disciplined approach."Stuck to the plans and knew what the conditions were. With the impact player rule, you always want the extra 20 runs. Never know what par score is. That was one area - not getting wickets in powerplay. That's the only way it can put the opposition on the back foot," Gaikwad concluded, reflecting on the team's strategy for future matches.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registered a resounding 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, thanks to a brilliant 98 from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a clinical bowling performance led by Tushar Deshpande.Gaikwad, who missed out on a century by a whisker, anchored CSK's innings with a 54-ball knock that included 10 fours and three sixes. He shared a crucial 107-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a valuable 52 off 32 balls. Shivam Dube's unbeaten 39 off 20 balls propelled CSK to a formidable 212 for three.In response, SRH's batting faltered under the pressure of Deshpande's early three-wicket burst. The pacer removed Travis Head, Anmolpreet Singh, and Abhishek Sharma in quick succession, leaving SRH reeling at 40 for 3. Nitish Reddy and Aiden Markram attempted to rebuild the innings, but Ravindra Jadeja and Matheesha Pathirana struck to leave SRH in tatters at 85 for 5.Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Samad tried to salvage the situation, but the CSK bowlers maintained a tight grip on the game. Jadeja bowled an economical spell of 4-0-22-1, while Shardul Thakur frustrated the batters with his wide outside off deliveries. Mitchell took five catches in the outfield as SRH were eventually bowled out for 134 in 18.5 overs.Gaikwad's innings was the cornerstone of CSK's success. The skipper played aggressively from the outset, hitting boundaries at will. He brought up his 17th IPL half-century off just 27 deliveries and looked set for a second consecutive century. However, the heat and humidity of Chennai seemed to take its toll as he was dismissed in the final over.The victory ended CSK's two-game losing streak and lifted them to third place in the IPL standings with 10 points. SRH, also with 10 points, dropped to fourth after their fourth loss.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has emerged as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Based solely on their performances in the IPL, NDTV has compiled a 15-member squad that represents the best of Indian talent.Openers:* Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Chennai Super Kings skipper has been in scintillating form, amassing 349 runs in 8 matches with a strike rate of 142.44. His century and consistent performances make him an automatic choice.* Abhishek Sharma: The left-handed batter from Sunrisers Hyderabad has set the IPL alight with his explosive batting. With 288 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 218, he is a perfect fit alongside Gaikwad.* Rohit Sharma: The Indian skipper has shown glimpses of his class, scoring 311 runs in 9 matches. His aggressive approach and experience make him a valuable asset.Batters:* Virat Kohli: Despite the ongoing debate over his strike rate, Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024. His experience and ability to anchor the innings are crucial.* Riyan Parag: The Rajasthan Royals batter has impressed with his explosive middle-order batting. With 250 runs in 9 matches, he provides a dynamic option.* Shivam Dube: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a consistent performer, scoring 220 runs and picking up 7 wickets. His versatility makes him a valuable addition.Wicket-keepers:* KL Rahul: The Lucknow Super Giants skipper has scored 378 runs in 9 matches. His flexibility as an opener, wicket-keeper batter, or middle-order batter makes him a versatile asset.* Sanju Samson: The Rajasthan Royals skipper has been in sublime form, scoring 385 runs with four half-centuries in 9 matches. His wicket-keeping skills and aggressive batting make him a top choice.All-rounders:* Ravindra Jadeja: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a key performer, batting at No. 4 and providing crucial breakthroughs with the ball.* Axar Patel: The Delhi Capitals all-rounder has been effective with both bat and ball, scoring 134 runs and picking up 7 wickets.Bowlers:* Kuldeep Yadav: The Delhi Capitals spinner has been in excellent form, picking up 13 wickets in 9 matches.* Yuzvendra Chahal: The Rajasthan Royals spinner has also been impressive, taking 12 wickets in 9 matches. The 'Kul-Cha' partnership is a formidable spin duo.* Jasprit Bumrah: The Mumbai Indians pacer is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 scalps. His pace and accuracy make him a vital cog in the bowling attack.* Sandeep Sharma: The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer has been a revelation, taking 8 wickets with an impressive economy rate.* T Natarajan: The Sunrisers Hyderabad left-arm pacer has impressed with his performances, taking 12 wickets in 6 matches with an economy rate of 8.70.This squad represents a blend of experience, talent, and versatility. If these players can maintain their form and replicate their IPL performances in the T20 World Cup, India will be a formidable force in the tournament.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's maiden IPL captaincy stint has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After taking over the reins from MS Dhoni, Gaikwad led CSK to a promising start with four wins in their first six games. However, consecutive defeats to Lucknow Super Giants have cast a shadow over his leadership.CSK's recent loss at home to LSG exposed their bowling frailties and Gaikwad's tactical decisions. Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu reportedly criticized Gaikwad's field placements in the death overs, highlighting his lack of experience as captain.However, Rayudu has since denied making such comments, slamming the publication that attributed them to him. He clarified that he was not even commentating on the day in question and was instead picking mangoes at his farm.Despite Rayudu's denial, the criticism of Gaikwad's captaincy has continued. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu argued that if Dhoni is credited for CSK's wins, he should also be held accountable for their losses.The back-to-back defeats to LSG have pushed CSK out of the playoff places, leaving Gaikwad under immense pressure. The team will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday in a crucial match that could determine their playoff hopes.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing challenges in finding their ideal team combination and dealing with player unavailability, according to head coach Stephen Fleming. After their first home defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, Fleming expressed concerns about the team's form and balance.CSK made changes to their batting lineup, bringing back Daryl Mitchell and pairing him with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top. However, the move failed to produce the desired results, with Mitchell and Ajinkya Rahane struggling. Fleming acknowledged the need to find the right combination and improve form.Injuries to Matheesha Pathirana, Rahane, and Mustafizur Rahman have disrupted CSK's balance. Mustafizur's departure after May 1 will necessitate further adjustments. Devon Conway's replacement, Richard Gleeson, is yet to join the squad.Mitchell, who was acquired for a hefty sum at the auction, has struggled to find his footing. Fleming hopes that moving him up to No. 3, where he has had success for New Zealand, will improve his performance.The surfaces in Chennai this season have not been as spin-friendly as in the past, affecting CSK's strength in that department. Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali bowled only two overs each against Lucknow Super Giants. Fleming expressed a desire for more assistance from the pitch, but emphasized the need to adapt to the conditions.CSK's next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad will be a test of their spin attack. SRH are missing Wanindu Hasaranga, and their Indian legspinner Mayank Markande has been expensive. CSK have a depth of spin options, but they will need to perform well to overcome SRH's challenge.