"Dear Ajit Agarkar, I hope you are watching" - Fans react to Ruturaj Gaikwad's 98-run knock in CSK vs SRH match of IPL 2024

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad stole the show with his batting exploits in the team's IPL 2024 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, April 28.

Hyderabad won the toss and elected to field first. Chennai were off to a dismal start, with opener Ajinkya Rahane back in the hut early. Gaikwad bailed the team out of trouble with a stunning 107-run stand with Daryl Mitchell for the second wicket.

He played a captain's knock, finishing with 98 runs off 54 balls at a strike rate of 181.48. The right-handed batter hit 10 fours and three sixes during his stay at the crease.

Gaikwad narrowly missed out on a well-deserved ton as he was dismissed in the 20th over while trying to play a lofted shot. He was caught by Nitish Reddy at deep mid-wicket off T Natarajan's slower ball.

While Gaikwad couldn't cross the 100-run mark, several fans took to social media, lauding him for the fantastic knock. Here are some of the top reactions:

A few fans also praised Gaikwad for going for a big shot when he was on 98 instead of trying for a single or a double to complete his ton.

"How many batters would go for a aerial shot at 98.. Ruturaj Gaikwad is build different. He’s here to stay. Most completed batsman." wrote a fan.

"It's really sad for Ruturaj Gaikwad. He had a great opportunity to score a century but went for a big shot to support the team. The captain led from the front with a brilliant innings." wrote another.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad go for big shots instead of pushing in the gaps and complete century. Team man Selfless 'Ruturaj'." chimed in yet another.

Several Team India supporters also opined that Gaikwad deserves to be in the Men in Blue's 2024 T20 World Cup squad, given his consistent performances in IPL 2024.

"Dear ajit agarkar, i hope you are watching ruturaj gaikwad." posted a user.

"It will be ICT’s loss if Ruturaj Gaikwad isn’t selected for the T20 World Cup 2024." commented another.

"Why is Ruturaj Gaikwad not in contention for a place in India's T20 World Cup squad again? He has been playing consistently well in the IPL, leading CSK from the front. Over 400 runs at a strike rate of 150. What does he need to do more?" wrote a fan.

Gaikwad has scored 447 runs across nine innings this season, the most by a captain. He is also second in the Orange Cap list, only behind Virat Kohli, who has 500 runs in 10 outings.

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"He's a beautiful player to watch" - Daryl Mitchell on Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell's impressive knocks helped Chennai finish at 212/3 after 20 overs. Shivam Dube also chipped in with a valuable contribution, remaining unbeaten on 39 in 20 balls.

Speaking in the mid-inning interview, Mitchell mentioned that he enjoyed watching Gaikwad bat. He also acknowledged that the pitch was on the slower side.

Mitchell said:

"We'll take that score. There's a little bit of dew around and we'll have to bowl well. Back ourselves to get the job done. It was about trying to keep putting pressure. Knew the pitch would be slightly slow. It's a new wicket. We'll throw ourselves around (on the field) and try to get the job done. He's (Gaikwad) a beautiful player to watch."

The defending champions Chennai are currently placed sixth in the points table with four wins and as many defeats from their first eight fixtures.