Ruturaj Gaikwad highlighted several key challenges that led to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) failing to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2024. Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s efforts, CSK finished fifth on the points table with seven wins and seven losses.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, donning the captain’s hat for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, experienced a season marked by both highs and lows. While he retained his captaincy, his batting form fluctuated throughout the tournament, raising questions about his leadership and consistency. The initial phase of the season proved to be a struggle for Gaikwad. He found it difficult to get going, mustering a mere 88 runs in his first four matches at an average of just over 22. This sluggish start, coupled with a strike rate below 120, fueled concerns about his ability to lead effectively while burdened with captaincy duties. He finished the season with a total of 635 runs in 16 matches, averaging just under 40.
Injuries Injured CSK’s Chances
Chennai Super Kings will have to wait another year to add to their five IPL titles, as they failed to advance to the playoffs this season. Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated CSK, drawing level on points and surpassing them with a superior net run rate, in a crucial IPL 2024 clash played on Saturday night.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed disappointment but highlighted the challenges of injuries and illnesses that forced constant changes to their playing XI throughout the season.
Before IPL 2024 began, CSK suffered a major setback when opening batter Devon Conway was ruled out with a thumb injury. Unfortunately, this was only the beginning of their struggles.
They also endured injuries to key bowlers, including Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, and Mustafizur Rahman. Additionally, batter Ajinkya Rahane suffered a calf injury and faced a dip in form.
At one stage, multiple CSK players were also struggling with the flu, which certainly increased their challenges.
What Ruturaj Gaikwad Said
After the match Gaikwad said,
“With the kind of injuries we had, missing out on two frontline bowlers, not having Conway at the top of the order as well. I think missing out on three key players made a huge difference,”
“Credit to the CSK staff and everyone who put up a great show for us throughout the season. There were many challenges for us right throughout the first game. Injury to Fizz (Mustafizur), then injury to Pathirana as well – he came back and then again missed out. When you have injuries around, you have to get that balance in the team and pick it for every game. I think this season sums up well where we had to tinker around with our playing XI, considering the injuries and all the illness (to the players) as well,” he added.
Although CSK didn’t make it to the playoffs, the season proved to be a success for Gaikwad individually. He accumulated 583 runs from 14 matches, surpassing all other batters in his team.
Gaikwad further added,
“For me, personal milestones don’t really matter a lot, after all the ultimate goal is to win. If you are not getting there it’s a disappointment. Doesn’t matter if you score 100 runs or 500-600 runs in a season. I am disappointed. Happy with the seven wins, couldn’t get over the line though. Happy with it. We got 10 from the last 2 balls in our last knockout game last year so this was a similar situation, things didn’t go our way though.”