Players of Chennai Super Kings congratulate Gujarat Titans on the latter’s win in the opening match of the Indian Premier League 2023 in Ahmedabad on March 31, 2023. Photo Credit: AP
Captain of Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni felt his middle-overs batting let him down in the first IPL match Against Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad on March 31, 2023
With Ruturaj Gaikwad coming strong, the Titans saw off CSK to a total of over 200 before stemming the flow of runs in the middle overs. CSK eventually managed to post 178 for seven, which the Titans achieved with four balls to spare and five wickets in hand.
“We all knew there would be dew. We could have done a little more with the batting ship. Ruturaj (Gaikwad) was brilliant, he times the ball well and it’s a delight to watch him. The way he makes his choices “I think it is important for youngsters to step up,” Dhoni said, referring to Gaikwad’s 50-ball 92.
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Dhoni, however, was all praise for IPL debutant Rajvardhan Hangergekar, who took three wickets.
“I think Raj (Hangargekar) has pace and will get better with time. Think bowlers will get better, a no-ball is something that is in your control, so you need to work on that I thought there would be two left-handers.” A better option so I went ahead with them.
Titans captain Hardik Pandya is happy with the team’s performance.
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“We put ourselves in a difficult position but Rahul and Rashid did very well. We were happy in the middle of the innings because at one stage it looked like they were going for 200, but we did something to pull things back. Took wickets.”
On the impact player’s debut in the IPL, he said: “Having this impact rule makes my job difficult. I have a lot of options, and because of this one will bowl less. In this game, I realized that difficult lengths Bowling is the only way to go.” So Alzarri bowled late.
“Rashid is a real asset to have, he will get you wickets as well as get you some runs at the end of the order.”