Ruturaj Gaikwad, playing his first season as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led from the front with a magnificent century against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 39 of IPL 2024.
Put in to bat first, Gaikwad, returning to his opening position, displayed immaculate touch. After getting his fifty in 28 balls, he reached his second IPL hundred in a mere 56 balls. The LSG bowlers were left hapless at the Chepauk stadium as Gaikwad took the attack to them.
He struck the ball cleanly, finding the boundary with ease. His knock of 108 runs came off just 60 balls, boasting an impressive strike rate of 180. The innings was decorated with 12 fours and 3 sixes, showcasing his range and ball-hitting ability.
CSK rode on Gaikwad’s hundred to post 210 vs LSG
Gaikwad’s knock formed the backbone of a mammoth total for CSK. He batted through the entire 20 overs, anchoring the innings and providing a solid platform for the middle order. The 27-year-old was involved in a superb 104-run stand alongside Shivam Dube, who wreaked havoc with his 66 off 27 balls.
The innings was capped off with a four off MS Dhoni’s bat that led CSK to an above par first-innings total of 210/4 against LSG.