CSK’s Robin Uthappa
CSK’s Robin Uthappa and Ruturaj Gaikwad reflect back on MS Dhoni’s match-winning heroics in the IPL 2021
Batsmen Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) reflected on their incredible end against the Delhi Capitals (DC) that earned them a spot in the 2021 IPL finals. The three-time champions required a spectacular finale from skipper MS Dhoni, who delivered with a brilliant six-ball, 18-run cameo on Sunday (October 10) night.
The top-order combo of Gaikwad (70) and Uthappa (63) laid a solid platform with a 110-run partnership for the second wicket before the thrilling climax. After losing Faf Du Plessis for a duck in the first over itself, CSK was in trouble early in the chase.
“He’s a man of big stages for sure and he would absorb any pressure given to him and he did a good job and hopefully we are just one game away,” Gaikwad said.
“You can never write off someone like MS Dhoni at that situation in the biggest stage. He is the best there was, and I think the best there is. He is the man you want in that kind of situation CSK,” Uthappa said
Following their fiasco in the UAE, last year made the ideal statement. This is the franchise’s ninth IPL final in 14 editions.
The massive second-wicket partnership was key to CSK’s eventual victory. Gaikwad and Uthappa never allowed the required rate to bother them, and in fact, as their collaboration progressed, they even matched it.
Shardul Thakur
Gaikwad and Uthappa appeared to be on their way to leading the team home after taming the DC bowling unit. CSK, on the other hand, went off track after losing Uthappa’s wicket, resulting in Shardul Thakur’s surprise promotion to No. 4.
“The focus was completely on the game. I’ve been sitting out for like 10-11 games, so always wanted to contribute to the team. When the opportunity came along, I knew that I had to be true to myself. When I came out to bat, my only thought process was to stitch a good partnership. I think if not for that little niggle, I think we would have finished it off.” he said
CSK will now await the results of the other three teams in the competition. On Friday (October 15), one of them will join the Chennai team in the final of the IPL 2021 in Dubai.
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