IPL 2023: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway take LSG bowlers to cleaners as CSK register highest powerplay score at Chepauk
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad and new signing Devon Conway took the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowlers to the cleaners as CSK registered the highest powerplay score at Chepauk in the sixth match of IPL 2023.
After being put into bat by LSG skipper David Warner, CSK openers Gaikwad and Conway started aggressively from the word go. Gaikwad struck three boundaries in the first over itself and Conway soon followed suit, hitting a six and a four in the second over.
The duo continued their assault and amassed 70 runs in the powerplay, with Gaikwad scoring 41 off 21 balls and Conway making 29 off 17 balls. CSK’s previous best powerplay score at Chepauk was 65/0 against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2015.
LSG bowlers looked hapless against the opening pair, with none of them able to make any significant impact. Australian pacer Jhye Richardson was hit for two fours and a six in his first over, while left-arm spinner Axar Patel went for 15 runs in his only over.
Gaikwad, who struggled in IPL 2022, seems to have regained his form and confidence in the new season. He played some delightful strokes and even hit a reverse sweep off off-spinner Krishnappa Gowtham.
Conway, who was picked up by CSK in the mini-auction, also impressed in his first outing for the franchise. The New Zealand left-hander showed his class with some elegant shots and looked comfortable against both pace and spin.
CSK will be hoping that their opening duo can continue their good form throughout the season and give the team a strong platform at the top of the order. The MS Dhoni-led side had a disappointing campaign in IPL 2022, finishing seventh in the points table, and will be eager to bounce back in the new season.
The Chepauk pitch has been a bit sluggish in the past, but Gaikwad and Conway showed that it can still be a batsman-friendly surface if the batsmen apply themselves well. LSG will need to pick up wickets at regular intervals to prevent CSK from posting a huge total.
Overall, it was an impressive start by CSK and their opening pair, and fans will be hoping for more fireworks from them in the upcoming matches.