For the first time in 19 IPL seasons, Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not play a single game, making it another “will he or won’t he” season.
Even then, when asked about the soon-to-be 45-year-old’s future plans, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad remained silent.
In response, Gaikwad said, “You and I will get to know it next year.” Only Dhoni knows how he thinks.
Although Dhoni hasn’t contributed much to Willow in recent years, Gaikwad has remained politically correct.
”It’s a hard miss for us. He can come in those late overs and change the game just by staying in the crease. Never know about next season but really happy with the guys we have,” said Gaikwad, who knows what he wants but finds it difficult to express.
CSK’s seventh defeat—a 89-run loss against Gujarat Titans—marked their official elimination from the competition.
”When you are chasing 230, it’s not easy against that (GT) bowling attack. The wicket was spongy to start, they started well. Our bowling wasn’t good in the powerplay. It was hard to stop their openers. We had our chances to restrict them under 200, failed to do it,” Gaikwad didn’t beat around the bush.
Gaikwad thinks that after losing three straight games, it was a catch-up game for them.
”Tough season, after a hat-trick of losses. We found momentum, we found the right spots but were hit by injuries. Ramakrishna Ghosh and Jamie Overton going out unsettled us, we were always a batter or bowler short in the last three games.”.
Gaikwad added that the CSK ranks were undergoing a wonderful example of transition this season.
”More than 8 players have played less than 20 games, we have found out what areas we’re lacking. We still got six away wins, proud of the unit.
”We have moved on from Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, the experience we had. Karthik Sharma, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis are there. Karthik has potential, he has areas to improve. Urvil’s playing a full season for the first time, that comes with expectations,” Gaikwad reasoned.
Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill said: ”Our bowlers hit lengths consistently. Yes, the odd ball will go over the rope but it’s about backing your lengths. I am happy with my batting, every time you are out, you think you could have done better.”
