CSK brought smiles on the faces on millions of their die hard 'Whistle Podu' fans by registering a hat-trick of wins at the fag end of the round robin stage and bowing out on a high in an otherwise nightmarish campaign.
The hero with the willow in CSK's clinical win was their highly talented young opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad, who spearheaded his team's 154-run chase with an unbeaten 62 run knock off just 49 deliveries.
Gaikwad's unbeaten half ton for CSK against KXIP happened to be his third straight fifty of the ongoing IPL 13 season and helped him attain a unique record in the Indian Premier League.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad Notched Up His Third Consecutive Half Ton In IPL 2020
The CSK became the first uncapped Indian batsman to score three back to back half centuries in the history of the IPL. It is notable that Gaikwad had come into the KXIP game with half centuries against Kolkata Knight Riders (72) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (65*).
After a lackluster start to his IPL career since making his debut earlier in the tournament, Gaikwad turned around his season by scoring three back-to-back half tons and ended his campaign in Season 13 with over 200 runs.
After his game changing half ton against KXIP, Gaikwad said that CSK team management's decision to stick with him helped him in gaining confidence.
"I was scoring well in the domestic circuit in every format, so I was feeling confident. Even for my club and state team, I had to be the anchor, make sure the team wins and I stay till the end," said Gaikwad, who was also given the player of the match award.
"Being in the change room and being on the field - I was used to it. One or two games, it was surreal (playing with the star players). Even yesterday I saying to Rayudu - 'it's the first time I am batting with you, you are my hero,' and he was happy for that," he added.