DC vs CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad becomes the second Batsman to make 600 runs in IPL 2021
Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad became the third batsman in the history of his franchise to make 600 runs in an Indian Premier League season during the qualifier 1, which the three-time champions won against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.
Gaikwad scored a match-winning 70 off 50 balls with 5 fours and a six to help CSK chase down 173 against DC with 4 wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Robin Uthappa (63) and MS Dhoni (18 not out) also played crucial knocks as CSK ended their four-match losing streak against DC with this win.
Gaikwad’s knock took him past 600 runs in IPL 2021, making him the second batsman after Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul to achieve the feat this season.
Michael Hussey and Ambati Rayudu are the only other two players who have amassed 600 runs in a season for CSK in the past. Hussey did it in 2013 when he scored 733 while Rayudu made it happen in 2018 by amassing 602 runs.
KL Rahul currently holds the Orange Cap with 626 runs followed by Gaikwad (603), Shikhar Dhawan (551), Faf du Plessis (547) and Glenn Maxwell (498) completing the top five. Gaikwad should not look to finish on top of the list as he will get to bat one final time when CSK play their 9th IPL final on October 15.
“Just go through normal routines whatever you have been following throughout the tournament and just try and stay neutral. Each and every game you start from 0, so it’s important to start again and start fresh and be up for a challenge whatever it is.
“I plan for 2-3 overs, think of who is likely to bowl and who I can target, big-short boundary, who I can target better. You have to be crystal clear, go through the process, take one over at a time and ensure that the required rate doesn’t go up too much and take it deep,” Gaikwad said after collecting his Player of the Match award.
The match saw another first as Prithvi Shaw scored the first half-century for DC in the second leg of IPL 2021. Shaw hit 60 while Rishabh Pant scored 51 not out to help the Capitals post a challenging 172 for 5 in 20 overs but they still couldn’t stop the Super Kings from overhauling the target.
DC will now face the winner of Qualifier 2 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator on October 13.
