IPL 2026: CSK skipper Ruturaj says sometimes we just didn’t execute at the right time
Chennai Super Kings failed to contain Punjab Kings’ batsmen despite youngster Ayush Mhatre’s 43-ball 73 posting an impressive 209 for 5 as a collective effort led by skipper Shreyas Iyer saw them chase down the target with ease in 18.4 overs.
Also read: Punjab Kings beat Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in IPL
“We felt we had three seamers coming into the game and of course we have two good wrist spinners who bowl consecutively, especially in the middle after the powerplay. We felt that will help,” Gaikwad said after the match.
“But I think it’s a light day off for both of them. So I think that’s what it cost us. Sometimes we did really well. Sometimes we didn’t do it at the right time,” he added.
He felt that the team was unable to gain momentum with the ball in midfield, which could have helped slow down the opposition batsmen.
“There was a point where (the required run rate) went up to 11 and a few good overs would have taken it to 12-13. We couldn’t get momentum in the middle (with the ball). “It’s a tough position.”
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Focusing on the positives, he added that the batting performances of youngsters Mhatre and Shivam Dube stood out but the bowling needed to be improved.
Winning skipper Shreyas Iyer said the brilliant start provided by openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh was the key to hitting the grand total.
“The way we started today was a phenomenal start for us. I feel the way they (Arya and Prabhsimran) batted was phenomenal and stabilized the rhythm for us.
“I’m glad everyone is batting. It gives the team a lot of confidence. Whenever we’re under pressure, people know how to handle it. We’ve just decided to play some form of cricket in the dressing room to impress each other – it gives us a certain clarity and basically challenges each other.”
