Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad faced a challenging outing in the crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Gaikwad’s day was marred by questionable decisions on the field as captain and a disappointing batting performance.
The right-handed batter’s batting woes continued as he fell for a golden duck on the first ball of CSK’s chase of 219. Glenn Maxwell claimed Gaikwad’s wicket, marking his return to the RCB playing XI after Will Jacks’ departure for international duties. Gaikwad’s dismissal sparked jubilation among the home crowd at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Virat Kohli’s energy was palpable on the field, while his wife, Anushka Sharma, enthusiastically cheered for RCB from the stands. The RCB camp, including skipper Faf du Plessis and star batter Kohli, celebrated Gaikwad’s wicket with vigor.
RCB’s bowlers continued to put pressure on CSK, with Yash Dayal dismissing Daryl Mitchell for just 4 in the powerplay. Mitchell miscued a shot, and Kohli took a sharp catch within the circle. Kohli’s loud roar after the catch added to the momentum, and Sharma’s celebratory reaction became a viral moment on social media.
Earlier, RCB’s top-order batsmen, led by du Plessis, had set a solid foundation for the team, posting a total of 218 for five against the defending champions. Du Plessis played a crucial role with a 39-ball 54, while Kohli (47 off 29), Rajat Patidar (41 off 23), and Cameron Green (38 not out off 17) also contributed with significant knocks.
The playoff qualification scenario dictates that RCB, who have turned their fortunes around with a five-match winning streak, need to win by at least 18 runs to secure their place in the next round. CSK, on the other hand, can qualify if they score more than 200 runs, even in defeat, or if the match is abandoned due to rain.
