CSK\u2019s chances of entering the playoffs ended with them suffering their heaviest defeat in the IPL \u2013 by 89 runs \u2013 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNot many people buy the fact that we are a young team in transition, with a lot of inexperienced players. More than 8-10 players have played less than 20 games; they've gotten exposure, and we've found out what areas we're lacking. We still have six away wins, and I'm proud of the unit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe missed out on chasing in Hyderabad and couldn't restrict them in Chennai. Not able to do that, but still proud. Moving on from Rahane, Rayudu, etc., the experience we had is tough... Karthik, Urvil, and Brevis, who missed out initially, are there. Karthik has potential and has areas to improve. Urvil's playing a full season for the first time, that comes with expectations,\u201d said Gaikwad at the conclusion of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the season, Gaikwad said injuries to Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Jamie Overton unsettled the side at various stages, while admitting the bowlers weren\u2019t great in Ahmedabad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe wanted to chase whatever the total is asap. When you're chasing 230, it's not easy against that bowling attack. I thought, why don't we give it a shot and express ourselves, credit to them. The wicket was spongy to start, and they started well. Our bowling wasn't good in the Power-play. Hard to stop their openers. We had our chance to restrict them to under 200, but failed to do so.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the season, Gaikwad said injuries to Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Jamie Overton unsettled the side at various stages, while admitting the bowlers weren\u2019t great in Ahmedabad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked about MS Dhoni\u2019s future, who didn\u2019t play a single game due to calf and thumb injuries, Gaikwad said, \u201cYou and I'll get to know it next year. It's a hard miss for us. He can come in those late overs and change the game just by staying in the crease. Never know about next season, but really happy with the guys we have.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n