Opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has attributed Chennai Super Kings’ success within the ongoing IPL to their pre-season camp and praised the group administration for making the gamers really feel secured and clearly stating their roles. Four-time champions CSK put themselves in line for a fifth IPL after they stormed into the ultimate with a 15-run victory over holders Gujarat Titans within the Qualifier 1 right here on Tuesday. “The camp was very vital because a new surface was being laid over in Chennai,” Gaikwad stated on the post-match press convention.

“Everyone was not sure how the wicket is going to be or how the wicket is going to play. But sometimes when you play on flat tracks, you need not have to think much on your shots and not much about the opposition bowling.

“Sometimes batsmen play good pictures and hats off to him. Even when you’re batting, it is about entering into the zone.” Gaikwad was making his assessment after CSK beat Gujarat Titans on a tricky Chepauk pitch to make their 10th IPL final.

Several CSK players, including Gaikwad himself, had never played an IPL game in Chennai before this season. The camp had begun on March 3, with captain Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu among the first batch of players to arrive in the city.

“Loads of effort goes into our success,” Gaikwad said.

“It began from final yr after we did not qualify for playoffs. Obviously, the administration received one thing to work on and there have been issues which we wanted to enhance and put an effort on, or add somebody.

“This year, right from the first game, I think we were clinical and sure about who is going to play and who is not going to play and what will be our probable 12 or 13 or 15.

“I believe proper from the primary recreation everybody knew about their roles. When the Sri Lankans got here late — Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana — I believe they have been on top of things even from the primary recreation.

“So, I think we were pretty much playing with the same team and just continued the momentum. And hats off to everyone — the support staff and the management as well.” In the match, CSK did properly to succeed in 172 for 7 on a sluggish pitch after Hardik Pandya opted to bowl.

Considering the circumstances, it turned out to be rather more than a aggressive complete as Gujarat Titans had a uncommon off day to finish with 157 all out in 20 overs.

Rashid Khan made the CSK followers nervous with a 16-ball 30 in direction of the top but it surely was not sufficient for the Titans.

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