CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad Registers Second IPL Century Despite Loss, Enters Unwanted Club

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad faced a bittersweet moment on Tuesday as he secured his second IPL century but found himself in the company of players who have achieved the milestone in losing matches. Gaikwad’s unfortunate record was etched during CSK’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Chepauk Stadium. Despite the loss, Gaikwad delivered a stellar performance, notching up an unbeaten 108 runs off 63 balls, embellished with 12 fours and three sixes, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 180.00.

With this feat, Gaikwad joins the likes of Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson, and Hashim Amla, who have also scored two or more centuries in losing causes in the IPL. Additionally, Gaikwad adds his name to the illustrious list of CSK players, including Murali Vijay and Shane Watson, who have achieved this milestone for the franchise in the IPL.

Other notable CSK centurions include Michael Hussey, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina, and Ambati Rayadu. In the ongoing season, Gaikwad has been a standout performer for CSK, amassing 349 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 58.16 and a strike rate exceeding 142, featuring a century and two half-centuries. He currently ranks as the second-leading run-scorer this season. In the match against LSG, CSK posted a formidable total of 210/4 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of Gaikwad’s century and an explosive half-century from Shivam Dube. Despite CSK’s strong performance, LSG staged a remarkable comeback, with Marcus Stoinis’s unbeaten 124 off 63 balls steering them to a six-wicket victory. As a result, LSG secured their position in the fourth spot with 10 points, while CSK dropped to fifth place with eight points.