Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) two-game winning streak in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) came to a halt on April 19 (Friday). The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ended their losing streak by defeating the Super Kings by a convincing margin of eight wickets. It was CSK's third defeat of the season to go along with four victories in seven matches played thus far.
Ruturaj Gaikwad seeks improvement in powerplay
After their latest defeat, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reflected on the team's performance and affirmed that they fell 10-15 runs short of what would have been an ideal score. The Super Kings posted 176/6 in 20 overs after being put into bat first in Lucknow.
"We finished well with the bat, couldn't have asked more with the situation we were in. After powerplay we couldn't capitalize on the start we got and we kept losing wickets at regular intervals," Ruturaj told the broadcasters after the game, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
"I would say we were 10-15 runs short. Slightly difficult with such a total, with the impact sub rule you need 10-15 or even 20 runs extra. Pitches like these seem sluggish to start off with but with dew coming on it gets better, 190 would have been a good score," he added.
Furthermore, Ruturaj stressed the importance of bowling well in the powerplay. The CSK skipper urged his bowlers to improve their execution during the field restrictions.
"One area we would like to improve in taking wickets in the powerplay. That will put pressure on the opposition. We need to work on it," Ruturaj opined.
Lucknow Super Giants chased down the target with a complete over to spare and eight wickets still remaining in the kitty. LSG skipper KL Rahul led the charge with the bat and played an elegant knock of 82 runs off 53 balls with the help of nine fours and three sixes.
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