Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad believed that his team’s bowling could not have been better following their five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League game on Friday. The performance of the bowlers was not impressive despite having three fast bowlers and two spinners in-action. Chennai posted a total score of 209/5, courtesy of Ayush Mhatre’s 73 runs from just 43 balls. Shreyas Iyer played a captain’s innings of 50, which helped his team cross the line with 8 balls remaining.
Gaikwad, captain of CSK said,”We felt we had three seamers going in, and obviously we have two good wrist spinners bowling in tandem, especially in the middle after the powerplay. We felt that, you know, it will help. But I think, you know, slight off day for both of them. So, I think, that is what cost us”.
Gaikwad’s take on upcoming matches
Similar problems in two different matches. Different scenarios but the result is always the same.
Gaikwad did not try to pass the blame on. On the contrary, he accepted that the bowling performance requires urgent improvement. But he also stressed some positive aspects. The batting lineup exhibited commitment and control during the matches.
A worthy total, weak defence
It was at last that CSK batsmen played well. Youths and finishers did their job. The team scored past 200 without much difficulty. But things happened very fast. Punjab managed the chase quite well. Iyer took charge from the start, and other players helped too. Target was chased in less than 19 overs, and it spoke volumes.
Gaikwad said what was very clear. Bowlers did not create pressure on the opponents. The middle overs lacked dominance. Even after the run-rate went up for some time, CSK could not capitalise on it further.
Also Read | Ravichandran Ashwin backs CSK in IPL 2026
CSK’s tactics under scanner
With questions being raised regarding team selection and bowling tactics, CSK selecting three pace bowlers and two wrist spinners, on the surface it seemed well thought out. While the spinners, whose role was to dominate the middle overs, had an off-day, the pace bowlers were leaking runs in crucial overs.
Gaikwad stuck by his tactical decision but acknowledged how poor timing played into their downfall. Gaikwad highlighted how a few good overs could have tilted the balance of power, but lack of consistency let Punjab maintain the upper hand throughout the run-chase.
However, the overall outlook does not change. CSK still have not won a match. And more importantly, they still have not sealed victory in any match. For Gaikwad himself, a couple of upcoming matches may be decisive in determining the future of CSK in the 19th edition of IPL.
