Four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have put one step forward towards their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title. They stormed into IPL 2023 final with a 15-run victory over current title holder Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday (May 23).
CSK’s opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad in the post-match press conference revealed that when the pre-season camp was arranged for the team in the first week of March, the result of the previous season was still in their minds. This time the players wanted to correct the mistakes committed last time. CSK finished at the ninth place in IPL 2022.
Gaikwad praised the team management for keeping the environment inside the dressing room healthy and secure. He also has thanked them for defining every player’s role in advance.
In Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023, Gaikwad played an exceptional inning of 60 runs on a tough Chennai wicket which continued to slow down as the game progressed. He was declared the ‘Man of the match’ for his outstanding knock.
“The camp was very vital because a new surface was being laid over in Chennai. Everyone was not sure how the wicket is going to be or how the wicket is going to play. But sometimes when you play on flat tracks, you need not have to think much on your shots and not much about the opposition bowling. Sometimes batsmen play good shots and hats off to him. Even while you’re batting, it’s about getting into the zone,” w Gaikwad was quoted as saying in the post match press conference.
Several CSK players, including Gaikwad himself, had never played an IPL game in Chennai before this season. The preparatory camp took place in Chennai in March, with captain MS 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. It started from last year when we didn’t qualify for playoffs. Obviously, the management got something to work on and there were things which we needed to improve and put an effort on, or add someone. This year, right from the first game, I think we were clinical and sure about who is going to play and who is not going to play and what will be our probable 12 or 13 or 15,” added Gaikwad.
“I think right 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 from 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,” said the Pune-born cricketer.
Chennai have now gone straight to the finals, while Gujarat will have to wait for another chance to make it to the summit clash. GT will now play against the winner of the Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 on Friday (May 26).
