After scoring a crucial 60 in the first innings, Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad once again turned the game around with a stunning catch to dismiss Vijay Shankar. With Chennai setting a 173-run target, Gujarat got off to a shaky start with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Despite Shubman Gill's best efforts, other Titans' batters weren't able to handle the trio of CSK spinners. But with Rashid Khan's arrival, Gujarat seemingly found a second wind as the Afghan tonked all Chennai bowlers across the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Here stepped up Matheesha Pathirana, who gave two runs on the first two balls pushing Vijay Shankar to go for a slog.
Falling prey to Dhoni's plan, Shankar went for it and attempted a shot towards the leg side. Here came a charging Ruturaj Gaikwad from a midwicket boundary, who threw in a full-stretch dive and completed a brilliant catch to dismiss Shankar.
Check out the catch here:
With this catch and the efforts of bowlers, CSK registered a 15-run win to reach their 10th IPL final. Gaikwad was named the Player of the Match for his half-century and his stunning catch. Reacting to this performance, he said, "Last 3-4 games in Chennai have been different. First few games wicket was better. Have had to adapt. Look to rotate strike, and capitalise on loose deliveries.
"Both are great players (Conway and Faf). Faf was someone who was aggressive from ball one. Conway has great batsmanship. I would say the knock of 60 (what was more satisfying - 60 or the catch)," he added.
