After the loss to Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad subtly criticized opening batters Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Subtly Criticizes CSK Openers After Loss to Rajasthan Royals
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad took a subtle dig at his team’s opening batters, Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra, following their six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. CSK struggled in their chase of 183 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, as they failed to get off to a good start for the third consecutive match. Ravindra was dismissed in the opening over by Jofra Archer, and Tripathi was dismissed cheaply in the first two matches.
In IPL 2025, Gaikwad, who had been opening for CSK for the past four seasons, decided to bat at No. 3. However, this move hasn’t paid off, as the side continues to struggle at the top, leaving the middle order to pick up the slack.
Tripathi managed 23 off 19 balls against the Royals but never looked comfortable at the crease, and Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed him in the 8th over. Gaikwad played a strong 63-run knock, but CSK fell short by six runs. After the match, Gaikwad was asked about his decision to bat at No. 3. He subtly pointed to the lack of good starts from the openers, saying, “It doesn’t matter because I am getting to bat early in the three games.”
Gaikwad explained, “Over the years, Ajinkya batted at 3, and Rayudu took care of the middle-overs. We thought it would be better if I came a bit late to take care of the middle overs, and Tripathi could bat aggressively at the top.” He further added, “Once we get good starts, things will be different.”
Nitish Rana smashes 81 off 36 balls
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals posted a total of 181/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant 81-run knock from Nitish Rana, who faced 36 balls and hit 10 fours and five sixes.
Speaking after the match, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged Rana’s impactful innings and said, “Nitish batted well, and we were not proactive, knowing he was going behind square. We should have made him play in front of the wicket. There were 8-10 runs through misfields as well. We are working on improving that. 180 was chasable.”
Gaikwad added, “It was still a good wicket if you hit the pockets. I was really happy at the innings break. They were looking good for 210, but 180 was chasable.”
CSK needed 39 runs off the final two overs, and there was a glimmer of hope when MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja managed to score 19 runs off the penultimate over bowled by Tushar Deshpande. However, Sandeep Sharma kept his composure in the final over, guiding Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling victory.