IPL 2026: 'I was looking at a score around 220-230' - Ruturaj Gaikwad rues CSK’s batting lapse in SRH loss
Chennai Super Kings lost by 10 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad after a middle-overs slowdown derailed their chase. Ruturaj Gaikwad said restricting SRH to 194 felt good but scoring just four runs after 10 overs proved costly. Despite strong starts, CSK lost momentum.
He praised the bowlers, especially Anshul Kamboj, for consistent performances and clarity in execution.
NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted his team let the game slip in the middle overs as they lost by 10 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026. CSK were well placed in the chase but couldn’t maintain momentum when it mattered most. Gaikwad explained that based on SRH’s strong start, he expected a total around 220-230, so restricting them under 200 felt like a win.
However, the chase derailed after the 10-over mark when CSK scored just four runs in two overs, allowing the pressure to build. "Looking at how their power play went, I was looking at a score around 220-230. To pull it back by 30 runs, I would have taken it any day under 200.
It was just about 80 runs needed in 10 overs (with the bat). From there, it was just about building a couple of partnerships. We scored just 4 runs in the next 2 overs after the 10-over mark.