Chennai Super Kings The captain Rituraj Gaikwad He said he was “still proud of the boys” despite CSK’s five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Monday.After this defeat, SRH chased down 181 runs in 19 overs. Ishan Kishan70 runs off 47 balls and Heinrich Klassen47 of The result also confirmed SRH’s qualification for the IPL 2026 playoffs along with Gujarat Titans.Speaking after the match, Gaekwad said that CS remained in the contest till the closing stages.“It was quite tight towards the end. I thought, you know, a good game of cricket. Obviously, we were in the game until the second last over. And I think (it was) a good T20 pitch as well. I don’t think it changed much throughout the game. And I thought 180 runs was a level score chasing the second batting. So, a good game. Just missed a few, but I mean, that’s okay. Still proud of the boys,” said Gaikwad.The CS skipper felt that his team failed to build pressure after taking the wicket.“I think nothing really, just taking advantage of the opportunity right after you take a wicket. That’s where you want to put pressure on the opposition. I think we didn’t do that, especially after losing the wicket,” he said.Despite CSK missing some key players this season, Gaikwad also pointed to positives for the future.“But I still think, the team we had and the limited squad and whatever combination we had, I’m still proud and I still feel we did well,” he added.(Do you think you can still build this team into next year?) “Well, sure. We’re building. I think a lot of positives, to be honest. Sanju’s addition is a great sign. He is playing very well for us. Karthik Sharma, once again great knock today. So, I think we’re building.”Gaekwad admitted that the absence of some players affected the balance of the team.“Obviously, we missed a few players, a few key players that were part of the 12th game. And I think after that you have to look back, where are we going to get those right replacements, yes or no? So obviously, it depends on a lot of factors, but still, whatever squad we had, everybody showed their heart today. And like I said, still proud of the boys,” he said.The CSK captain also thanked the team’s supporters after another season where the team struggled at home.(Word for CSK fans?) “Yes, sir. We have a worldwide crowd, fans, they come and support us through thick and thin. So, yes, we lost some games at home, but I think, compared to last year, we are much better this year. And for sure, it will be a very strong unit to come here next year,” Gaikwa said.Earlier, SRH restricted CSK to 180/7 after opting to bowl. Pat Cummins took 3/28 while Gaikwad scored 15 off 21 balls.Sanju Samson gave CSK a flying start with boundaries against Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prafulhang before Cummins dismissed him.Dewald Brews scored 44 off 27 balls and added 59 runs with Shivam Dubey, but CSK could not cross the 200-run mark.
