[Watch] Ambati Rayudu in agony after CSK's elimination from IPL 2024 against RCB
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu could not hide his emotions after the defending champions were knocked out of IPL 2024 by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 18. Rayudu played for CSK from 2018 to 2023, helping them win three titles in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
In a win-or-go-home encounter for the fourth and final playoff spot, RCB posted a massive 218/5 in 20 overs. CSK struggled right through their run-chase of 201 (the target for playoff qualification) before Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni brought life into the contest.
However, Dhoni's dismissal with 11 needed off 5 followed by Jadeja dotting the penultimate delivery with 10 needed off 2 sealed CSK's fate. As Yash Dayal outsmarted Jadeja with dots from the final two deliveries, Rayudu could be seen in the studio commentary box with hands on his face in shell-shock.
Here is a video of the same:
The 27-run defeat meant CSK finished fifth on the points table with seven wins in 14 outings. Their season, Ruturaj Gaikwad's first as CSK captain, was marred with injuries to key players and inconsistencies with bat and ball.
Meanwhile, RCB will await the results from the final day of the league stage to find out their opponent between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator on Wednesday, May 22.
"Pretty happy to have seven wins out of 14 games" - Ruturaj Gaikwad on CSK's IPL 2024 campaign
CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was not too unhappy with the side's performances in the 2024 IPL season in the wake of several key players missing time with injuries.
The Men in Yellow were without the services of ace opener Devon Conway for the entire season. CSK also lost Deepak Chahar and Matheesha Pathirana for a significant time in the latter stages.
At the post-match presentation after CSK's elimination, Gaikwad said:
"I am pretty happy to have seven wins out of 14 games. Just couldn't get over the line in the last two balls. With the kind of injuries we had, missing out on two frontline bowlers, not having Conway at the top of the order as well, I think missing out on three key players made a huge difference. Credit to the CSK staff and everyone who put up a great show for us throughout the season. There were many challenges for us right throughout the first game."
Gaikwad was made CSK captain a day before the start of the season after MS Dhoni relinquished the reigns.
Despite the team's ouster, the stylish opener enjoyed tremendous success with bat, scoring 583 runs at an average of 53 in 14 games.