Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most loved Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, hence it is not surprising that skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad got a rousing welcome at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during the toss. Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl in Match No.7 of the 19th edition of the tournament. However, as soon as it was Gaikwad’s turn to talk, the Chepauk crowd truly erupted, leading both Gaikwad and the broadcaster Ian Bishop to let out a huge chuckle.
The welcome was so thunderous that both Gaikwad and Bishop were unable to hear each other, and it all culminated with the latter approaching the CSK captain and standing next to him. The chat between the two started a few seconds late as the duo waited for the crowd to settle down.
“I don’t know. I don’t know how long. Let me come closer. I apologise to the cameras,” said Bishop while talking to Gaikwad.
“I’m sorry this is dragging on because of the noise and the cheering. I am sorry for not being able to hear you and for dragging this on,” he added.
For the match against the Punjab Kings, CSK made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Prashant Veer in the place of Matthew Short. The five-time champions had lost their opening match against the Rajasthan Royals and would now look to return to winning ways.
Opening combination
At the toss, Gaikwad also explained the decision behind his opening the batting alongside Sanju Samson. Before the IPL 2026 season started, the Maharashtra batter had made it clear that he would open the batting alongside Samson, paving the way for Ayush Mhatre to bat at No.3.
That has been the key for CSK as a franchise. You know, having that good top order. And I think opening partnerships has been a key factor in our recent success in the winning seasons as well. So I think that is something which we thought about coming into the season. And I felt nothing better than having Sanju and me open the batting. So that was just the thought process behind it,” said Gaikwad.
Gaikwad also said that the wicket in Chennai looks a bit on the drier side, and hence it would be a good challenge to play against a team like Punjab.
“It looks a bit on the drier side. And I don’t think it will change too much. More often than not, it will remain the same. And, you know, it’s the early part of April. So I don’t think so,” said Gaikwad.
“The dew will be a key factor in the second inning. So I think runs on the board and definitely you can defend on this track,” he concluded.
