Ravindra Jadeja was sent up the order against LSG, as made clear by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Jadeja batted at number four, ahead of Shivam Dube, in both of the games against the Lucknow-based team. Jadeja made a fifty in the opening game and contributed to CSK scoring a respectable total. Jadeja, however, had trouble getting going in the second game and only managed to score 16 runs in 19 balls.
Dube took the bat and had a ball hit the bowlers. The southpaw hit a spectacular 66 (27) and had a 104-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad for the fourth wicket. CSK did not receive enough from Jadeja, despite the captain scoring an undefeated 108 (60). Gaikwad discussed the choice after hearing criticism regarding Jadeja’s elevation. In both games, the CSK captain explained the reasoning behind moving Jadeja up the order.
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According to the star player, if the top order collapses during the powerplay overs, Jadeja is dispatched to anchor the innings at number 4, holding Dube to complete the innings. “Jadeja, or Jaddu, is batting at number four because we lost the second wicket during the powerplay. Shivam will bat if there is a wicket following the powerplay, as per our clear understanding. Following CSK’s defeat to LSG, Gaikwad reportedly said, “We can’t force batters to get out after.”
I knew it would go down to the wire. Ruturaj Gaikwad
In the league’s history, CSK gave up the most runs in a chase at Chepauk. Though Gaikwad disagreed, many believed that 210 was sufficient. The star player said that the bowlers had it rough because of the dew. He admitted that dew existed even throughout the practice sessions. Claiming that the target was just about par and insufficient, Ruturaj gave respect to LSG for pursuing the goal.
To be honest, I never considered the aim to be sufficient. It was about average for the type of dew we are having. As demonstrated in the last two practice sessions. I therefore knew it would come down to the wire, most likely to the final over. However, Gaikwad stated, “It’s a credit to them; they batted really well,” sensing a close conclusion to the match.