Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu’s role in CSK’s struggles in IPL 2025

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with the Riyan Parag-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 11th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's Chennai Super Kings faced a 6-run loss at the hands of Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, March 30.

Also Read: IPL Points Table 2025: Orange Cap, Purple Cap List After DC vs SRH, Match 10, RR vs CSK Match 11

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Over the years Ajinkya batted at 3 and Rayudu was taking care of middle-overs - Ruturaj Gaikwad

Bowling first in the match, the Chennai Super Kings bowlers were taken to cleaners by Nitish Rana and they allowed Rajasthan Royals to post 182/9 on the board. Chasing the target, the CSK batting unit flopped once again and they ended up with a score of 176/6.

Speaking after the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad said that the RR batter Nitish Rana batted well and blasted his fielding unit for once again doing a poor job. He said:

"Obvious in the Power Play (the key moment in the game). Nitish batted well, and we were not proactive knowing he was going behind square, and we should have made him play in front of the wicket. 8-10 runs through misfields as well. We are trying to improve there. 180 was chasable. 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."

Ruturaj Gaikwad said that Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu handled the middle-order of CSK over the years, but in their absence, he has been told to bat at No.3, which hasn't worked. He said:

"Over the years Ajinkya batted at 3 and Rayudu was taking care of middle-overs. We thought it would be better if I came a bit late to take care of the middle overs and Tripathi can bat aggressively at the top. Anyway it doesn't matter because I am getting to bat early in the three games (smiles).

Noor as usual bowling well, Khaleel bowling well and Jaddu bhai bowled well - Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad further said that he is capable of taking risks and rotating the strike, but things haven't been going well for them. He said:

"It was decided during the auction time and I don't have any problem with that. I can take risks when needed and rotate strike. Unfortunately we have not been getting the good starts but once we get that things will be different."

Ruturaj Gaikwad signed off by terming Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ravindra Jadeja's bowling as the positives for CSK. He said:

"(Positives) Noor as usual bowling well, Khaleel bowling well and Jaddu bhai bowled well as well. You need some momentum in the bowling department. I think once everything comes together and we have the momentum we will be a really good side."

How did CSK perform in the previous IPL match against RR?

Chennai Super Kings delivered a clinical performance against Rajasthan Royals in their previous match on May 12, 2024, and bagged a five-wicket win at home.

After being invited to bowl first, the Chennai Super Kings attack started off well and then capitalized on the start to restrict RR to a modest 141/5.

Pacer Simarjeet Singh stole the show with a match-winning spell of 3/26, dismissing star batters Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson. Also, Tushar Deshpande played a vital role with two wickets.

Chasing the target, Ruturaj Gaikwad batted cautiously while Rachin Ravindra provided an aggressive start, scoring 27 off 18. Also, Daryl Mitchell contributed a quick 22 runs as Gaikwad was playing a slow knock.

In the end, Shivam Dube’s attacking cameo (18 off 11) shifted the momentum decisively in CSK’s favor and Gaikwad remained unbeaten to steer his team to a win in 18.2 overs.