IPL 2023 Qualifier 1: Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals the success of Chennai Super Kings this season

Opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad has attributed the success of Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2023 to their pre-season camp and praised the team management for making the players feel safe and clearly delineating their roles. Four-time champions CSK put themselves in line for a fifth IPL title after storming into the final with a 15-run win over holders Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 in Chennai on Tuesday.

“The camp was very important as a new surface was being prepared in Chennai,” Gaikwad said at the post-match press conference. “Everyone was not sure how the wicket was going to be or how the wicket was going to play. But sometimes when you play on flat pitches, you don’t need to think too much about your shots and you don’t need to think too much about the opposition bowling.

Sometimes batsmen play good shots and salute to them. Even when you are batting, it is about getting in the zone.”

Gaikwad was making his assessment after CSK beat Gujarat Titans on a difficult Chepauk track to reach their 10th IPL final. Several CSK players, including Gaikwad himself, had never played an IPL game in Chennai before this season. The camp began on March 3, with skipper Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu being among the first batch of players to arrive in the city.

“A lot of effort goes into our success,” Gaikwad said. “It started from last year when we didn’t qualify for the playoffs. Obviously, management had some work to do and some things that we needed to try and improve or add someone. This year, right from the first game, I think we were clinical and sure who was going to play and who was not going to play and what our probable 12 or 13 or 15 would be.

Ruturaj Gaikwad said “This time there are no away games for us, Dhoni and CSK fans are everywhere, I thank all the fans”. pic.twitter.com/wu8Pmk5C6a– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 24, 2023

“I think from the first game itself everyone knew their roles. When the Sri Lankans came late – Teekshana and Mathisha Pathirana – I think they were up to the mark from the first game as well. So, I think we Playing with almost the same team and keeping the momentum going.”I salute everyone – the support staff and the management as well,” Gaikwad said.

In the match, CSK did well to post 172 for 7 on a slow pitch after Hardik Pandya opted to bowl. Considering the conditions, it turned out to be much more than a competitive total as Gujarat Titans had a rare off day to be bundled out for 157 all out in 20 overs.

Rashid Khan rattled the CSK fans towards the end with a 16-ball 30 but it was not enough for the Titans.