The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed a significant slowdown in scoring, with only one match producing a total of 200 or more runs in the last six games. This has raised concerns about the condition of the pitches and the impact on par scores.
In the recent match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), CSK managed to score only 167 for 9, which proved to be sufficient to secure a 28-run victory. CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad attributed the low score to the slow and sluggish nature of the wicket.
“The way the wicket played in the second innings, definitely I’d say par score,” Gaikwad said. “Everyone believed the wicket was slow, it was coming slow off the wicket, even low bounce.”
Ravindra Jadeja, who played a crucial role in CSK’s victory with both bat and ball, echoed Gaikwad’s sentiments. “It was a day game, so the wicket was slow, which we expected,” he said. “We did well in the [batting] powerplay, but then we couldn’t build partnerships.”
The slowdown in scoring has been attributed to the aging of the pitches and the lack of partnerships. Teams have struggled to maintain momentum and build substantial totals.
Despite the challenges, CSK has managed to navigate the difficult conditions and climb to third place in the points table. Gaikwad praised the team’s bowling unit, particularly Tushar Deshpande, Mitch Santner, and Simarjeet Singh, for their contributions.
“We bowled well in the powerplay and middle overs, didn’t bowl loose balls,” Gaikwad said. “Simarjeet Singh, playing his first game of the season, did well, his three overs giving him 2 for 16.”
CSK has faced some setbacks with injuries to key players, but they have shown resilience and determination to overcome these challenges. Gaikwad acknowledged the difficulties but expressed relief at the team’s performance.
“Sigh of relief with the things that were happening… the previous night, or the night of the match, Pathirana slightly here and there, then some of the guys struggling with the flu as well, so not really sure till gameday morning who is playing and who is not,” Gaikwad said.
