Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad gave credit to the spinners after a four-wicket win against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their season’s opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday. After winning the toss, Chennai was able to restrict the visitors to 155-9.

Khaleel Ahmed gave a perfect start to the Men in Yellow, dismissing both Mumbai Indians openers – Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. The Powerplay was made merrier by Ravichandran Ashwin, who is making a comeback to CSK, as he dismissed Will Jacks.

Noor Ahmad then proved his mettle in the spin-friendly conditions as he returned with figures of 4-18 in his quota of four overs. The left-arm mystery spinner accounted for MI captain Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Robin Minz, and Naman Dhir. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation, “The spinners were right on point, and right after the auction, one thing we were really excited was all those three spinners bowling in tandem at Chepauk. Khaleel is experienced and Noor is an X factor and that is why we wanted him in the team and good to have Ash as well.”

On the other hand, Gaikwad batted at one down, backing Rahul Tripathi as an opener. Tripathi could not deliver as he was dismissed after scoring only two runs but Gaikwad played a captain’s knock, scoring 53 runs off just 26 balls. The right-hander completed his fifty off just 22 balls and said he is happy to bat according to the team’s needs.

The CSK skipper added, “Happy to be on the winning side, loved to have been more clinical but that is how the game goes. That is the requirement of the team (talking about the move to bat at three) and that gives the team more balance and I am really happy to change my position.”

Furthermore, Rachin Ravindra scored an unbeaten knock of 65 runs to help his team chase down the target of 156.

Chennai Super Kings will next take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday.