Pandya was also hit by Punekar Rituraj; After the victory, he said, ‘It felt like we…’

Gujarat Titans defeated Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets in the first match of Indian Premier League 2023. Along with this, the competition also started victoriously. However, during this match Pune native Rituraj Gaikwad made the bowlers of Gujarat team sweat a lot. His century fell short, but he had put pressure on the Gujarat team. Captain Hardik Pandya also praised Rituraj after the match. He said that he will do his best for Indian cricket.

Rituraj Gaikwad’s innings
Chennai Super Kings lost the toss and batted first. This time the opener Rituraj Gaikwad did not leave the field until the team scored 150 runs. Rituraj scored his half century in just 23 balls in the match. He then scored 92 runs off 50 balls. This included 4 fours and 9 sixes. On the strength of his innings, Chennai scored 178 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.

Ru tu the Star! 🚀⭐#GTvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellowlove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/R3jH7bczNU

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 31, 2023

Hardik Pandya appreciated
Gujarat Titans chased down Chennai’s 179-run challenge by scoring 182 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 19.2 overs. Speaking to the media after the match, Pandya said, “He played some shots which were brilliant. If he continues to play like this, he will do maximum for Indian cricket. The Indian cricket team will be with him when the time comes.” Interestingly, Rituraj, who made his debut in July 2021, has scored 135 runs in 9 T20 Internationals.

‘We were having trouble bowling against him’
Speaking further, Hardik said, “We know what a great player he is. At one point it was thought that Chennai would score 220 or 230 runs. We were having trouble bowling against him. I thought we couldn’t do it.”

‘Rahul proves himself again’
Talking about the team’s performance, he said, “Me and Shubman’s wicket was a worry for us. However, Rahul Tewatia once again proved his mettle. Also, Rashid Khan showed what he can do.”

Gujarat needed 30 runs in 3 overs
In fact, Gujarat needed 30 runs in 3 overs. This time Vijay Shankar (27) hit a six off the bowling of Rajwardhan Hangargekar. However, one ball later he was caught by Devon Conway. Only 7 runs were scored in this over. Rashid Khan (10 not out) then helped Gujarat by hitting two consecutive sixes and fours off Deepak Chahar’s bowling in the 19th over. With 8 runs needed in the last over, Rahul Tewatia hit consecutive sixes and fours off the bowling of Tushar Deshpande to give the team victory. (ipl 2023 csk vs gt hardik pandya revealed his team facing trouble while bowling to ruturaj gaikwad read more)

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