CSK vs SRH: Ruturaj Gaikwad to miss IPL 2024 matches due to injury? CSK captain makes huge revelation

Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hosted the Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 46th match of the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) on Sunday, April 28 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The home team registered a dominant 78-run victory in the match as Ruturaj Gaikwad shined with the bat while Tushar Deshpande delivered a brilliant spell with the ball. Batting first, Gaikwad slammed a sensational 98 runs to help CSK score 212 and during the second innings, Deshpande bagged four wickets in just three overs. SRH got bowled out for 134 and CSK won the match by 78 runs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was awarded Player of the Match and speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, he expressed his happiness over a big win in wet conditions. Ruturaj Gaikwad said:

"Feeling pretty good. Tough to play in such wet conditions, and to be able to win by 70-odd runs is a clinical performance."

Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked about his injury concerns as the CSK captain had seemed to hurt his finger and physio came onto the field to bandage his finger. Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed that he is fine and will not be missing any matches in IPL 2024. He said:

"Was blessing in disguise at the toss. Everything is good (injury concern?). Too hot and humid conditions. Even the last game, was there batting for 20 overs and fielding for 20 overs. Today also almost the same."

Ruturaj Gaikwad had no regrets about missing out on a century as he said that his entire focus was on taking his team to a good score. Ruturaj Gaikwad said:

"Wasn't thinking about hundred. Wanted to make sure we get to 220-odd. Was disappointed that I missed 4-5 hits at the back end. During the innings break I felt it could make a difference and I was upset. But thankfully it was enough. Last game we made some errors. Some loose balls here and there. Today we were outstanding in the field. Stuck to the plans and knew what the conditions were. With the impact player rule, you always want the extra 20 runs. Never know what par score is."

Ruturaj Gaikwad further showered rich praise on Tushar Deshpande and Ravindra Jadeja and he also revealed that he just takes a back seat in the CSK dressing room and lets the seniors take charge.

"That was one area - not getting wickets in powerplay. That's the only way it can put opposition in back foot. He's bowling really well (Deshpande). His hard work is paying off. Special mention to Jaddu as well. In these wet conditions to go for 22 runs, that was the match turning spell. I'm not vocal. Can't tell seniors in the dressing room what to do. You have to take the back seat and let them do their job."

Chennai Super Kings' Position In The IPL 2024 Standings After The Match Against The Sunrisers Hyderabad 

Before the Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad clash, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co. were at the 6th spot on the points table with four wins and eight points in eight matches. After the conclusion of the CSK vs SRH showdown, Chennai Super Kings have jumped to the third position.

Notably, CSK had faced back-to-back defeats against the Lucknow Super Giants in their previous two matches which brought their campaign a little off the track. On April 19 in an away game at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, CSK managed to score 176/6 before allowing LSG to complete the run-chase inside 19 overs as openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock showcased batting masterclass and guided LSG to an 8-wicket win. 

Then, CSK hosted LSG on April 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in Chennai and they yet again faced a defeat, this time by 6 wickets. Despite scoring 210 with the help of Ruturaj Gaikwad's century and Shivam Dube's half-century, CSK failed to defend the total as Marcus Stoinis played an absolutely stupendous innings of 124 runs and despite not getting much support from the other end, he single-handedly powered LSG to a win.