Mullanpur (Punjab): Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad pointed to poor fielding as the key factor behind his team’s fourth straight defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL), following an 18-run loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday.
A sensational counter-attacking century from PBKS opener Priyansh Arya, along with impactful spells from the bowlers, helped the hosts clinch their third win of the season, further deepening CSK’s mid-season crisis.
Speaking after the match, Gaikwad acknowledged the critical role fielding played in recent defeats:
“I think the last four games, the only point of difference (fielding being the difference). It has been critical. The catches we have been dropping, the same batsman is scoring 15, 20, 30 runs.”
He also lauded Priyansh Arya’s blistering century:
“Sometimes you have to appreciate it (On Arya’s 100). Priyansh played well. High-risk batting and it came off well. We were getting wickets at regular intervals but they kept the momentum going. 10-15 runs lesser would have helped us. But it comes down to dropped catches.”
Gaikwad highlighted some positives from the batting department but maintained that improvements in the field are essential:
“Two of our best batters (Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway) who play pace well went at the top of the order. They had a good powerplay. Lot of positives in the batting department. We were two three hits away today, Devon is more of a timer of a ball. Very useful at the top of the order. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), his role is completely different. You know the batsmen is struggling (On Conway being retired out). We waited for him to time it and then changed when we thought it was necessary. Just have some fun. I spoke ahead of the game that we have to enjoy the fielding. If you are nervous, you will drop a catch. If you look to be a standout fielder, save those two, three, get that run-out, it helps the team. Batting and bowling you can have bad days.”
🏏 Match Recap:
After winning the toss, PBKS elected to bat first. Despite being reduced to 83/5, a counter-assault from Priyansh Arya (103 off 42 balls), Shashank Singh (52* off 36), and Marco Jansen (34* off 19) turned the innings around. Priyansh and Shashank added 71 runs, followed by a 65-run partnership between Jansen and Shashank, propelling PBKS to a formidable 219/6 in 20 overs.
Also SEE : Priyansh Arya’s Blazing Century Powers Punjab Kings To Victory Over CSK
Khaleel Ahmed (2/45) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/48) were CSK’s top wicket-takers, while Mukesh Choudhary and Matheesha Pathirana chipped in with a wicket each.
During the chase, CSK began strongly with a 61-run opening stand between Rachin Ravindra (36 off 23) and Devon Conway (69 off 49). Conway, along with Shivam Dube (42 off 27), stitched a vital 90-run partnership. MS Dhoni added a late cameo (27 off 12), but it wasn’t enough, as CSK ended at 201/5.
Lockie Ferguson (2/40) led the bowling charge for PBKS, supported by Yash Thakur and Glenn Maxwell with a wicket apiece.
Priyansh Arya was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his electrifying century. With this win, PBKS climbed to fourth in the standings (3 wins, 1 loss), while CSK slipped to ninth (1 win, 4 losses).