Ruturaj Gaikwad Rues ‘Missing Out On Three Key Players’ After CSK’s IPL 2024 Campaigns Ends With Loss Vs RCB

Bengaluru: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad rued the absence of three crucial players – Devon Conway, Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman made the difference in their IPL 2024 campaign that ended on Saturday at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Needing just a win to advance to the final four, CSK lost by 27 runs despite efforts from Rachin Ravindra, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

While Conway wasn’t available for the entire season due to a thumb injury, Mustafizur left CSK for National commitments on May 3. The defending champions didn’t get the services of the Bangladeshi pacer in their final four league games. To make matters worse, Pathirana was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury at the same time when Mustafizur went back.

Notably both Rahman (14 wickets in 9 games) and Pathirana (13 wickets in 6 games) combined for 27 wickets for CSK in IPL 2024. “To sum up the season, I’m pretty happy with seven games out of 14. Injuries, not having  Conway as well made a lot of difference. Pathirana got injured, and we missed Fizz as well. When you have injuries, it is difficult to balance the squad,” Gaikwad said after the game.

Batting first, RCB posted 218/5 in 20 overs. However, CSK needed 201 to secure qualification to playoffs in terms of net run rate. The defending champions lost Gaikwad o the very first ball of the chase to Glenn Maxwell until Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane stitched a solid partnership to revive the sinking ship. It was Gaikwad’s second duck of the season.

“For me, personal milestones don’t matter a lot. After all, the ultimate prize is to win. We couldn’t get it, so personally, I’m slightly disappointed as well,” Gaikwad added. The hosts roared back in the game with a few wickets including that of Rahane (33) and Shivam Dube (7) to leave CSK reeling at 129/6.

Ravindra Jadeja (42 not out, 22 balls) and MS Dhoni (25, 13 balls) looked threatening at one point but Yash Dayal’s final over heroics ensured RCB join Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final four.