In order to complete a top-2 finish in the league stage of the IPL 2023, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had to register a win over Delhi Capitals (DC) and that’s exactly what the four-time champions did. Batting first, openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway came out all guns blazing, putting up a partnership of 141 runs, which completely ruled Delhi out of the match. Gaikwad amassed 79 runs off 50 deliveries while Conway played another dependable knock of 87 runs off 52 deliveries to give CSK the perfect start possible.

In the end, the MS Dhoni-led side posted 223 runs on board and eventually pulled off a dominating 77-run win. Speaking after the game, Gaikwad mentioned that it was an important game for CSK and thus, they had to win it. The opener also added that the innings was special to him as he managed to help CSK win in his 50th match for the franchise.

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As per the quotes in India Today, Ruturaj Gaikwad said “Obviously, important game. As you said, it was an important game and we had to win it. It makes it more special for me to play this knock in my 50th game. Such a great franchise to be part of and I am glad for the support they give me.”

The 26-year-old wasn’t shy to go after every ball once he was all set in the middle. Revealing the reason, Ruturaj Gaikwad mentioned that he was aware of the fact that players like Shivam Dube and skipper MS Dhoni himself can come and increase the momentum and thus, he didn’t hold back.

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Explaining the same, Ruturaj Gaikwad said, “The wicket was holding up a bit and with shorter straight boundaries compared to that of square boundaries, I was aiming over the bowler’s head. In Chennai, there are longer boundaries and you need to rotate the strike more than hitting the ropes. With Shivam Dube and Mahi Bhai still left in the dugout, I went hard once I was well set.”