Chennai Super Kings moved up to third place in the points table of the 2024 Indian Premier League season after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 78 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad demonstrated his leadership skills with a remarkable innings of 98 runs, supported by New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell, who contributed 52 runs, helping Chennai Super Kings reach a total of 212 runs. In bowling, Tushar Deshpande got an impressive four-wicket haul and dismissed Sunrisers Hyderabad for just 134 runs.
Mitchell played a crucial part in the win by teaming up with captain Gaikwad to steady the innings and lay the foundation for a big score. Moreover, it was a memorable display for the Kiwi all-rounder in the field as he took five catches.
After the win, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey praised the 32-year-old New Zealand batter.
“It is not easy as a new player to come into the team, him and Rachin Ravindra for that matter,” the former Chennai opener said.
“We expect them to be able to just come and fit in straight away, feel like they belong and perform from the get-go. But the reality is different. This is the IPL, the best T20 contest in the world and it takes time,” he elucidated.
“We feel like he has been playing well, not being able to get the big score but contributing well along the way.” He has had to move up and down the batting order as well and that can be destabilizing for him as well. But, I think he has found a nice role at No.3 and he can feel comfortable in that role,” he added.
