Shubman Gill outclassed Ruturaj Gaikwad’s excellent innings with a brilliant half-century as Gujarat Titans opened the IPL with a commanding five-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings. When Titans brought things back in the middle overs to limit Chennai Super Kings to 178 for seven after choosing to bowl first in front of a nearly full house at the largest cricket stadium in the globe, Gaikwad was all class in his 92 off 50 balls.
In his 63 off 36 balls, Gill produced some astounding strokes that helped the home team pull off a satisfying victory. The Titans finished the game in 19.2 overs. Wriddhiman Saha, Gill’s opening partner, demonstrated that he still has it by smashing a few sixes and just as many fours in his 16-ball 25, which sparked the Titans’ run chase. The backfoot punch off CSK’s key player Tushar Deshpande was Gill’s greatest shot of the innings, and he backed it up with a pick-up shot over midwicket. Sai Sudharsan of the Titans, who replaced an injured Kane Williamson, made a significant contribution with 22 off 17 balls.
Dhoni spoke in the post-match interview
In the post-match interview, Dhoni said that the Chennai Super Kings were 15-20 runs short.
“We all knew there will be dew. We could have done a bit more with the batsman ship”, Dhoni said.
He credited Ruturaj Gaikwad for his incredible innings and lauded his timing.
“Ruturaj (Gaikwad) was brilliant, he times the ball well and he’s a pleasure to watch. The way he picks his options, it is pleasing to watch.”
He also credited young Hangargekar and said that he would get better with experience and time.
“I think it’s important for the youngsters to step in. I think Raj (Hangargekar) has pace and he will get better with time.”
The 4-time IPL winning captain said that no balls could be avoided. He felt that 2 left-arm spinners were needed on the surface. The CSK skipper also said that he did not feel like using Shivam Dube as he felt comfortable with other bowlers.
“Think the bowlers will get better, a no-ball is something that’s in your control, so you need to work on that. I felt two left armers will be a better option so I went ahead with them. Shivam was an option, but I felt comfortable with the bowlers overall”, Dhoni concluded.
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