Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad remained tight-lipped about his opening partner ahead of their IPL 2024 season opener. CSK has historically relied on stable opening pairs, a strategy that played a crucial role in their title wins. However, with Devon Conway unavailable, the team faces a key decision at the top. Last season, CSK struggled in the Powerplay, lagging behind finalists SRH and KKR in scoring rate. With a renewed focus on aggressive starts, Gaikwad’s explosive form could be the game-changer in CSK’s title defense.
CSK’s History of Stable Opening Pairs
CSK has always emphasized stability at the top, which has been instrumental in their IPL title wins. The table below highlights their successful opening pairs over the years:
| Year | Opening Pair | Total Runs | Average | Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Ambati Rayudu – Shane Watson | 1,181 | 42.17 | 8.88 |
| 2021 | Ruturaj Gaikwad – Faf du Plessis | 1,336 | 52.53 | 8.92 |
| 2023 | Ruturaj Gaikwad – Devon Conway | 849 | 56.60 | 9.00 |
In 2023, the Gaikwad-Conway duo played a pivotal role, scoring at 9.00 runs per over with an average of 56.60.
CSK’s Powerplay Struggles in 2023
Last season, after Conway’s injury, Rachin Ravindra stepped in as an opener. While he increased the scoring rate slightly, his average remained significantly lower.
| Opening Pair | Run Rate (RPO) | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Gaikwad – Conway | 9.00 | 56.60 |
| Gaikwad – Ravindra | 9.04 | 26.71 |
Despite the marginal uptick in run rate, CSK struggled in Powerplay, scoring at 8.72 runs per over, significantly below finalists SRH (11.17) and KKR (11.07).
Comparing Powerplay Performances – 2023 IPL
The Stats below visualizes CSK’s Powerplay struggles compared to the finalists:
Powerplay Scoring Rate Comparison (2023 IPL)
- SRH (11.17) and KKR (11.07) led the way in Powerplay dominance.
- CSK (8.72) was considerably behind, highlighting the need for a more explosive start.
The Ravindra-Tripathi Experiment
To address this, CSK experimented by pairing Rachin Ravindra with Rahul Tripathi at the top instead of Gaikwad. According to coach Michael Hussey, Tripathi’s attacking ability made him a strong option. However, Ravindra struggled initially, adjusting to the slower Chepauk track.
Gaikwad’s Explosive Knock in CSK’s Chase
While Ravindra took time to settle, Gaikwad, batting at No. 3, was aggressive from the start.
| Milestone | Ruturaj’s Runs | Previous Best |
|---|---|---|
| After 10 Balls | 22 | 18 |
| After 20 Balls | 48 | 42 |
| Fastest IPL Fifty | 22 Balls | 25 Balls |
His attack rate of 72.7% was his second-highest when reaching an IPL fifty, ensuring CSK dominated the Powerplay and took control of the chase.
Key Takeaways for CSK
- Fast Powerplay starts are crucial – Their struggles in 2023 suggest they must capitalize on fielding restrictions early.
- Gaikwad at No. 3 proved effective – His best-ever power-hitting start provided a solid foundation.
- Ravindra’s T20 evolution is a work in progress – While strong in ODIs, he needs to adapt to T20 demands.
If Chepauk’s surface remains slow, early aggression in the Powerplay could define CSK’s success this season.
