'Dekh rahe ho na Indian Cricket Board'- Twitter calls for Ruturaj Gaikwad's inclusion after 92-run onslaught against Gujarat in ITL 2023 opener

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image source: Twitter)

In a highly anticipated encounter, Chennai took on Gujarat in a thrilling match of the Indian T20 League at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gujarat won the toss and opted to field first. Chennai's opener Ruturaj Gaikwad took the opportunity to shine with an impressive knock of 92 runs.

Gaikwad was in sublime form from the outset, and he dominated the Gujarat bowling attack with his superb strokeplay. He was particularly harsh on Alzarri Joseph, whom he hit for three consecutive boundaries in the third over of the innings. Gaikwad continued to find the boundary regularly, and he reached his fifty off just 23 deliveries.

Gaikwad carried on his brilliant form and played some delightful shots all around the ground. He was severe on the spinners, hitting Rashid Khan for two sixes in an over. Gaikwad's innings came to an end in the 16th over when he was caught by Shubman Gill off Joseph's bowling. However, he had already done the damage, scoring 92 runs off 50 balls, which included 9 fours and 4 sixes. He received a standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates as he walked back to the pavilion.

Despite losing a few wickets towards the end, Chennai managed to post a challenging total of 178-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Apart from Gaikwad, none of the Chennai batters could emulate the right-hander's onslaught with Moeen Ali being the second top scorer with 23 off 17.