Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a major loss in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) which damaged their hopes to reach the playoffs. The Ruturaj Gaikwad led side failed to defend 188 runs in their clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as the Rishabh Pant-led side chased the target in just 17 overs.
Subramanian Badrinath blames Ruturaj Gaikwad for loss vs LSG
After the loss, former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath slammed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for his poor team selection in a key clash, where a playoff berth was at stake.
Taking to X (FKA Twitter), the former CSK star expressed that leaving a bowler like Akeal Hosein on a surface where spinners extract significant help turned out to be a blunder for the Yellow Army.
"CSK losing because of team selection errors is becoming a pattern this season. Leaving out Akeal Hosein on this track made zero sense. Another game, another missed opportunity," wrote Badrinath.
Ruturaj Gaikwad reflects on loss vs LSG
Speaking after the defeat, Gaikwad admitted that LSG simply played better cricket on the night while also highlighting the challenging nature of the pitch for batters early in the innings.
"There was a bit of something for the fast bowlers. Found it difficult to hit it off a hard length. We were looking at 160-170, and got 180. Nothing much better we could have done from a batting point of view," Gaikwad said.
"They (LSG) batted well and played some extraordinary shots. We were looking (to bowl the short ball) but Inglis played differently in the last game, and Marsh plays the short ball well, so we were trying to hit a hard length. We missed on execution but they played extraordinary shots," he added.
The defeat leaves CSK in a difficult position, with the franchise now needing victories in both their remaining league matches while also depending on other results to stay alive in the playoff race.
Next step for CSK
After enduring a tough loss vs LSG, CSK will look to secure a win in their upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The clash will be significant for the Yellow Army, as a win could make sure their presence in the race to playoffs.