IPL 2021: “It slowed down considerably” – Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis give their verdict on the Delhi pitch

IPL 2021: “It slowed down considerably” – Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis give their verdict on the Delhi pitch

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) did not let a change in venue affect their fortunes as they cruised to a seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Feroz Shah Kotla (Arun Jaitley Stadium). The win was orchestrated by some tight bowling in the first innings from the Men in Yellow as they kept things tight and did not let the likes of David Warner settle although they did not pick up a lot of wickets.

In the chase, it was largely down to the openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis that the target was overhauled with ease as the two got half-centuries in quick time to completely dominate the SRH bowling attack. Although the duo got out, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja comfortably guide their side home with 1.2 overs to spare and took them to the top of the table.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis on Delhi pitch

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis

Ruturaj Gaikwad was awarded the Man of the Match for his knock and he spoke about the pitch and his performance saying, “Means a lot. Little bit disappointed couldn’t finish it well. Think it was little bit two paced, little bit low bounce. Scoring big shots was difficult. It was all about how you hit gaps and hit over the fielders. Just planned who is the better bowler on this surface, who is not. One or two bowlers had a bit of an off day, cashed in on them. Just want to keep performing each and every match.”

Faf du Plessis who secured the Orange Cap, spoke about his performance and said, “Feels good (to wear the orange cap) but winning games is nice. I think the partnership with myself and Rutu has been pretty productive. If you can start well in T20s, and with our batting lineup, it’s a very good sign. I went back to try and make sure my basics were good. I looked at what was the thing I did well last year and have been doing the same this year. One or two tweaks were made from last season to this season.”

On the pitch, “It was a pretty good wicket. 170 was a touch under what they needed to get. 190 would’ve been a good score. But when you start quick like that, the rest of the innings plays out comfortably. There was some good pace on the wicket, it slowed down as the ball got old but overall a really good cricket wicket,” du Plessis said.

CSK’s next match is against Mumbai Indians on the first of May.

Also Read: MS Dhoni’s parents test negative for COVID-19 after treatment at a Ranchi hospital

Also Read: IPL 2021: CSK resurgence to top has 5 solid reasons