Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad conceded that his bowling unit fell short of expectations during CSK’s seven-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Friday, and said the defending five-time champions will work on the issues before their last two league fixtures. With 12 points from 12 matches, CSK have slipped into a must-win position for their remaining games, knowing they will also need other results to go their way to keep their playoff chances alive.
Even though Lucknow Super Giants are now out of playoff contention, they still handed CSK a serious blow, with Mitchell Marsh steering the chase through a blistering knock. Gaikwad acknowledged the setback without dwelling on it, stating that the immediate focus is on improvement and adapting to the conditions in the remaining league schedule.
“Bowling had an off-day today,” Gaikwad said. “The first challenge is getting to Chennai and make sure we improve on the areas we need to improve, and then adapt and assess the conditions in the remaining league games.”
The CSK skipper also played down the impact of the defeat on their postseason hopes, insisting the situation remains controllable. In his view, the path forward is straightforward—deliver consistently and hope the margins fall in their favour.
“It is simple (playoff hopes), nothing complicated. Nothing to worry about, just ensure we have a good day and hope that we turn things around,” Gaikwad added.
Gaikwad further noted that a total around 190 can be competitive, particularly when the surface offers something for fast bowlers. However, he pointed to Lucknow’s batters for their aggressive approach during the chase, which ultimately proved decisive.
“There was a bit of something for the fast bowlers. Found it difficult to hit it off a hard length. We were looking at 160-170, and got 180. Nothing much better we could have done from a batting point of view,” Gaikwad said.
He explained that Lucknow’s intent and shot-making made the difference, especially against the bowling plan of attacking shorter deliveries. Gaikwad also referenced how Josh Inglis had batted in their previous match, while praising Marsh’s ability to handle the same line and length.
“They batted well and played some extraordinary shots. We were looking (to bowl the short ball) but (Josh) Inglis played differently in the last game, and Marsh plays the short ball well, so we were trying to hit a hard length,” Gaikwad added.
Gaikwad accepted that Lucknow executed better on the day, stressing that when the opposition plays superior cricket, you have to acknowledge it and move on.
“We missed on execution but they played extraordinary shots. Sometimes the opposition can play good cricket than you, and you have to accept it,” he said.
Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, said the team still felt “amazing” despite their playoff hopes being extinguished. He attributed their successful performance to a clear mindset on the night, adding that overthinking and too many decision processes at key moments can be costly in T20 cricket.
“It feels good (to win). Getting a win definitely feels good. The things we talk about, of having a lot to play for, regardless of how the season ends, we take a lot of pride (in playing like this),” Pant said.
Pant also highlighted the effectiveness of using four fast bowlers, describing it as a combination that has worked for the side. He reiterated that the squad is strong, while warning that the biggest threat comes when players get bogged down by excessive thought.
“Four fast bowlers, it has been working for us. The team we have, I am going to say it again, is so amazing. The only thing that can harm us is having too many thought-process,” Pant said.
Pant did not bat at his usual No. 4 spot, and he explained that the change was made to provide chances to players who have not featured much during the tournament. He said he was prepared to bat, but the team management wanted to test other combinations.
“I was ready to bat (tonight). But the idea came in on why not to try players who have not played much. Still wanted to be out there but sometimes, you have to respect some things,” Pant added.
