For CSK and Ruturaj Gaikwad, the coin toss has been the biggest horror story this season. The CSK skipper, for the umpteenth time, lost the toss against the Punjab Kings at Chepauk.
Ruturaj has now lost 9 out of 10 tosses so far in the IPL 2024. Announcing Gaikwad as M.S. Dhoni’s successor at CSK has worked effectively so far; however, in terms of winning tosses, it hasn’t worked for the franchise or the captain as the luck hasn’t been in their favor.
After his poor toss record in IPL 2024, Ruturaj revealed that losing tosses is putting him under pressure. The CSK skipper also admitted that he has been practicing flipping the coin during the team practice sessions.
“I’ve practiced the tosses (during the practice sessions); it’s not going well in the match; I’m not sure what to do. To be truthful, I’m under pressure when I go to the middle (for the toss),” Ruturaj Gaikwad had said.
The importance of tossing in cricket keeps on increasing as the format gets shorter. In T20s, where the game changes within a blink of an eye, it’s very crucial for the teams to be at least 5 steps ahead of the opposition.
And by start, we mean right from the toss. Winning tosses in T20 cricket holds significant importance as it can directly influence the outcome of the match.
The winner of the toss, as it has been seen in the IPL 2024 so far, gains the advantage of choosing whether to bat or bowl first, a decision that can be pivotal in shaping the game’s dynamics.
In T20 cricket, where matches are fast-paced and every ball counts, setting a target or chasing one down can greatly affect the team’s strategy. Opting to bat first allows a team to set a competitive total, putting pressure on the opposition to match or surpass it.
Conversely, choosing to bowl first provides the opportunity to exploit early pitch conditions and restrict the opponent’s scoring, placing them on the back foot from the start. Moreover, the dew factor in evening matches can make bowling second more challenging, further emphasizing the significance of winning the toss.
Hence, winning the toss in T20 cricket offers teams the chance to dictate the course of the game, making it a crucial aspect of their overall strategy.
Is Ruturaj Gaikwad disturbed by the coin-toss results?
Losing tosses seems to have affected Ruturaj Gaikwad mentally. Losing the toss and being forced into a less favorable position from the outset seems to have created a psychological challenge for him.
Captains might feel pressured to adapt their strategies quickly to compensate for the disadvantage, which could affect their decision-making under pressure during the game.
Additionally, if the toss-winning team goes on to win the match convincingly, the captain who lost the toss might face scrutiny or criticism for not capitalizing on the opportunity to gain an early advantage. However, seasoned captains often emphasize the need to stay focused and resilient regardless of the toss outcome, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and mental strength in high-pressure situations.
Never had we imagined that a toss could affect a captain this badly. Gaikwad has been brilliant this season with his leadership and also with the bat.
Currently, he sits at the top of the highest run-getters charts with the orange cap on his head, scoring 509 runs in the 10 games he has played so far.
However, the question remains: whether luck will favor Ruturaj Gaikwad and CSK while winning tosses in the next 4 games they play, or will he be left with no choice when it comes to electing to bat or field?
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
