Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ruturaj Gaikwad became only the third batter in the franchise’s history to score 600 runs in a season of the Indian Premier League as the three-time champions booked their place in the IPL 2021 final beating Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 on Sunday.
Gaikwad smashed 50-ball 70, which included 5 fours and a six, as CSK chased down the total of 173 against DC with 4 wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Robin Uthappa (63 off 44 balls) and MS Dhoni (18 not out off six balls) also played crucial knocks.
Gaikwad’s 70 helped him cross the 600-run mark in IPL 2021, making him the second batter after Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul to achieve the feat this season. Michael Hussey (733 runs in 2013) and Ambati Rayudu (602 runs in 2018) are the only other two batters who have scored 600 runs in a season for CSK.
KL Rahul currently holds the Orange Cap with 626 runs but will not be able to add this tally as PBKS will not play any more games this season. Gaikwad is second with 603 run on the list and will get to bat one final time when CSK play their 9th IPL final on October 15.
