Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said that his bowlers failed to live up to expectations in their seven-wicket defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Friday, and added that they will address the shortcomings ahead of their remaining two league matches as well. CSK, with 12 points from 12 matches, now find themselves in a must-win situation in their remaining league games as well.

“Bowling had an off-day today,” said Gaikwad, stating, “the first challenge is getting to Chennai and make sure we improve on the areas we need to improve, and then adapt and assess the conditions (in the remaining to league games). It is simple (playoff hopes), nothing complicated. Nothing to worry about, just ensure we have a good day and hope that we turn things around.”

Ruturaj Gaikwad also added that a total of around 190 was competitive, especially with the pitch offering assistance to the pace bowlers as well, but he also credited the LSG batters for the aggressive way they batted as well.

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“There was a bit of something for the fast bowlers. Found it difficult to hit it off a hard length. We were looking at 160-170, and got 180. Nothing much better we could have done from a batting point of view. They (LSG) batted well and played some extraordinary shots. We were looking (to bowl the short ball) but (Josh) Inglis played differently in the last game, and Marsh plays the short ball well, so we were trying to hit a hard length. We missed on execution but they played extraordinary shots. Sometimes the opposition can play good cricket than you, and you have to accept it,” he further added.

Meanwhile, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant opined that, despite their playoff hopes being lost, his team had still been “amazing”, sharing that overthinking and having too many thought processes had hurt them as well.

“It feels good (to win). Getting a win definitely feels good. The things we talk about, of having a lot to play for, regardless of how the season ends, we take a lot of pride (in playing like this),” said Pant. “Four fast bowlers, it has been working for us. The team we have, I am going to say it again, is so amazing. The only thing that can harm us is having too many thought-process.”

“I was ready to bat (tonight). But the idea came in on why not to try players who have not played much. Still wanted to be out there but sometimes, you have to respect some things,” concluded Pant.