CSK vs GT: Wicket on no ball, six on free hit, Ruturaj Gaikwad made new bowler – ruturaj gaikwad smashes six on free hit after darshan nalkhande gives him life line on no ball
New Delhi: The 24-year-old Darshan Nalkande was given the responsibility of opening the bowling by Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier of IPL 2023. The medium pacer made a big mistake in the very first over of his very first match of the season on the big stage. No one knew when the atmosphere of celebration turned into regret. In fact, Darshan dodged Ruturaj Gaikwad (60 off 44 balls) with a lovely cutter ball with pace and was caught at mid-wicket. The Chepauk crowd fell silent after losing their opener, even as Nalkande celebrated his big wicket by punching the air, when the umpire signaled a no ball. Darshan’s bowling in the 16th season There was only the third ball. But in the middle of the wicket celebration, the siren sounded at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, indicating a no-ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had taken the path of the pavilion, returned to the crease. Batting first after losing the toss, the Chennai Super Kings team not only got a lifeline but also got a free-hit to increase the run-rate. Replays showed that Darshan Nalkande overstepped while landing the ball.
The young bowler, playing only his third IPL match, was disappointed. Captain Hardik Pandya came running to Darshan Nalkande from mid-off and put his hand on his shoulder. Hardik had a smile on his face. He consoled the right-arm pacer. Darshan Nalkande paid the price for the no-ball as Ruturaj Gaikwad hit a free-hit delivery for a mighty six into the mid-wicket stand. After this he hit the next ball on the off side boundary.
After skipper Hardik Pandya, coach Ashish Nehra also quickly got up from his seat in the dugout and spoke to the young bowler, who went to field near the boundary after completing his first over. Nehra too looked calm and had a few things to say to the pacer, who went for 14 runs in his first over. Darshan Nalkande was then given the second over in the powerplay and the pacer conceded just 8 runs. Darshan got good bounce and bowled tight line and length in the powerplay.
RCB’s journey ends, if Gujarat wins, there is celebration in Mumbai
