‘It’s about going there and…’ – Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to end losing run for CSK ahead of key game versus PBKS

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) play each other in a key encounter at the Mullanpur Stadium in the Indian Premier League (IPL) game on Tuesday. Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first as both sides went into the game with the same team. PBKS had lost their first game of the season at this venue as they lost to Rajasthan Royals by 50 runs. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad is under pressure after CSK lost their last three games. Chennai had lost their first match to Delhi Capitals at home for the first time since 2010. The loss has now put Chennai ninth in the table, sandwiched between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. All three sides have two points so far as the IPL 2025 season is about to reach its halfway point. 

Speaking at the toss, Gaikwad was asked to give his view on the current spate of losses. CSK skipper replied, “We were looking to bat first as well; pretty dry wicket, new conditions for us and we need to adapt as soon as possible. We have been bowling pretty well but we have conceded more than 15 runs over twice in an innings; hopefully we can improve on that. We also need to improve our fielding.”

The 28-year-old also said, “Me batting at 3 gives a bit more balance to our squad; it was decided during the auction time and I hope our openers will come good today. We have always been behind the game in the power play; it's just about going out there and enjoying ourselves.”

All eyes on struggling MS Dhoni in the PBKS vs CSK clash

Yet another player under pressure is former India and CSK skipper MS Dhoni, who has been under the lens. Dhoni’s future has been under question after his lacklustre show with the bat. Dhoni will be looking to score crucial runs with the bat and silence the critics. 

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, speaking at the toss, said, “We are going to have a bat first; it's simply because we had a discussion about how our batting lineup is and we need to make the best use of it. In the last game, the dew wasn't that much but that's not in our control but we need to back out strengths.”

The 30-year-old added, “We have got really good spin bowlers in our team but it's important how we use them on a given occasion. The last game the ball wasn't turning very much; I have to give credit to the Rajasthan batsmen as well; they batted really well. We hope we can execute whatever we have planned today.”