Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad performs a shot through the Indian Premier League 2024 match in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 28, 2024.
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Ruturaj Gaikwad may need missed out on a well-deserved second consecutive ton, however the Chennai Super Kings skipper regaled the sell-out crowd with a scintillating 98 (54b, 10×4, 3×6) to power his aspect 212 for 3 in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad, in Chennai on April 28.
The skipper was well-supported by Daryl Mitchell (52, 32b, 7×4, 1×6), who lastly discovered type as they mixed for a 107-run stand for the second wicket. Later, Shivam Dube (39 n.o., 20b, 1×4, 4×6) gave the innings the ultimate flourish as he rained sixes to take the rating past 200.
Asked to bat first, Ajinkya Rahane struggled but once more earlier than holing out within the deep, whereas Michell struggled with timing in the beginning of his knock on a pitch the place the ball didn’t come onto the bat simply. Once once more, it was left to the skipper to set the crew heading in the right direction, and the 27-year-old led from the entrance together with his scintillating strokeplay.
Like his knock in opposition to Lucknow Super Giants a number of days in the past, Ruturaj gave the impression to be batting on a distinct floor than his companions as he oozed class with pleasant photographs counting on timing somewhat than power.
Whether giving himself room to smash left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed for a lower and inside-out drive or slicing Bhuvaneshwar behind level earlier than sending a copybook cowl drive to the ropes, Ruturaj simply peppered the off-side fence. He received to his half-century in model when he pulled Pat Cummins over mid-wicket for his first six.
At the opposite finish, Mitchell slowly discovered his bearings and struck to his power of taking place the bottom, with success—one of the best shot being a lofted six over long-off Cummins as he received his maiden half-century.
Once Mithcell was dismissed, Ruturaj pressed on the accelerator. He punished the Sunrisers pacers each time they pitched quick to focus on the leg-side fence, selecting maximums off Cummins and Bhuvneshewar Kumar.
Even as Ruturaj was tiring, Dube took the baton from his captain when he smashed T. Natarajan for a few sixes to get going, and the duo added 74 for the third wicket. In the ultimate over, Ruturaj discovered the mid-wicket fielder when he tried to slog Natarajan and fell two wanting a ton, however not earlier than placing his aspect in a robust place.
Scoreboard
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS: Ajinkya Rahane c Shahbaz Ahmed b Bhuvneshwar 9 (12b, 1×4), Ruturaj Gaikwad c Nitish b Natarajan 98 (54b, 10×4, 3×6), Daryl Mitchell c Nitish b Unadkat 52 (32b, 7×4, 1×6), Shivam Dube not out 39 (20b, 1×4, 4×6), M.S. Dhoni not out 5 (2b, 1×4); Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-6): 9
Total (for 3 wkts. in 20 overs): 212.
FALL OF WICKETS: 1-19 (Rahane, 2.5), 2-126 (Mitchell, 13.3), 3-200 (Gaikwad, 19.2).
SUNRISERS HYDERABAD BOWLING: Bhuvneshwar 4-0-38-1, Nitish 1-0-8-0, Shahbaz Ahmed 3-0-33-0, Natarajan 4-0-43-1, Unadkat 4-0-38-1, Cummins 4-0-49-0.
Toss: Sunrisers.
