CSK vs LSG, IPL 2024: All Records And Statistics Behind Ruturaj Gaikwad's Maiden Century As Chennai Captain

In a historic innings that will be etched in the annals of Chennai Super Kings lore, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad etched his name into the record books with a spectacular century against Lucknow Super Giants in match 39 of IPL 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Gaikwad's unbeaten 108* not only guided his team to a formidable total but also set several records, marking a new era of leadership and prowess for CSK.

By scoring 108* runs, Gaikwad surpassed MS Dhoni's previous best of 84* against RCB in 2019 to register the highest score by a CSK captain in the IPL. This innings was more than just a personal triumph; it was a statement of intent from the young skipper, who has been seen as a cornerstone of CSK's future.

Gaikwad's consistent performance as an opener has been remarkable, with this match taking him to the top of an elite list, achieving the most 50-plus scores as an opener for CSK in the IPL. His 17 half-centuries or more have now surpassed the likes of Faf du Plessis and Michael Hussey, demonstrating his critical role at the top of the order.

Most 50-plus scores as an opener for CSK (IPL)

17 - Ruturaj Gaikwad
16 - Faf du Plessis
13 - Michael Hussey
9 - Devon Conway
9 - Shane Watson
9 - Murali Vijay

Adding to his list of achievements, Gaikwad also became the 21st player in IPL history to amass over 2,000 runs as an opener, and notably, the first to do so for CSK. His prowess during the powerplay was on full display as he smashed 37* off 19 balls, marking his second-highest score in this phase of the game, only behind his own record set against LSG at the same venue last year.

This century also placed Gaikwad among the luminaries of CSK who have scored IPL centuries, joining Murali Vijay, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina, and Ambati Rayudu. His name now sits prominently with two IPL hundreds for CSK, equaling the tallies of Vijay and Watson.

IPL hundreds for CSK

2 - Murali Vijay
2 - Shane Watson
2 - Ruturaj Gaikwad
1 - Michael Hussey
1 - Brendon McCullum
1 - Suresh Raina
1 - Ambati Rayudu

Gaikwad's innings also contributed to a significant century partnership, one of the highest for the fourth wicket or below for CSK, as he and Shivam Dube combined for a 104-run stand. This partnership is crucial in the context of CSK's middle-order strategies, showing depth and resilience.

Reflecting on the highest individual scores for CSK, Gaikwad's 108* ranks among the top, a list that features monumental innings like Murali Vijay's 127 and Watson's 117* in the 2018 final. His performance not only secured a win for his team but also reignited the hopes and aspirations of CSK fans for another successful season under his dynamic leadership.

Highest individual scores for CSK (IPL)

127 - Murali Vijay vs RR, Chennai, 2010
117* - Shane Watson vs SRH, Mumbai WS, 2018 final
116* - Michael Hussey vs PBKS, Mohali, 2008
113 - Murali Vijay vs DC, Chennai, 2012 Q2
108* - Ruturaj Gaikwad vs LSG, Chennai, 2024

Statistics courtesy: Cricbuzz