Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the top performers for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League. Many fans believe that Gaikwad’s performances have been the primary reason behind CSK’s turnaround. Last year, the Chennai Super Kings team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time ever in the Indian Premier League history.
However, this year, they have finished second on the IPL 2021 points table and will battle against the Delhi Capitals in the Qualifier 1 match. The winner of that game will progress to the finals. It should not be a surprise if Ruturaj Gaikwad proves to be the difference between the two teams in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2021 and takes his team to the summit clash.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s technique and ability to pace the innings are his USP
Chennai Super Kings batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has the ability to pace his innings in a splendid way. The right-handed batter often starts cautiously but does not hesitate in sending the loose deliveries to the boundary. He then focuses more on strike rotation in the middle overs and then switches gears in the slog overs.
Gaikwad’s innings of 88 runs against the Mumbai Indians is the perfect example of his talent. The experienced batters of the Chennai Super Kings team failed to fire against the Mumbai Indians team. However, Gaikwad fought like a lone warrior and helped his team win the match. In the league stage of IPL 2021, Gaikwad scored 533 runs and even recorded his maiden IPL hundred. His batting technique, patience and skill to pace the innings are the main reason behind his success.
Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has also played a big role in his journey
Not many expected Ruturaj to become the superstar he is today when he played his first three IPL matches in 2020. The right-handed batter scored five runs, including two ducks, in his first three innings. Dhoni commented in the presentation that the youngsters did not show the ‘spark’. In the end, Ruturaj ended with three back-to-back Man of the Match awards. Also, Dhoni asks Gaikwad to stay away from social media and focus more on his game.
“Dhoni always tells Ruturaj to stay away from social media. Apart from batting tips, how to handle pressure, and accelerate the run rate, Dhoni’s advice to him to stay away from social media has helped. Dhoni also tells Ruturaj that success and failure are both part of the process, so, always back your game, no matter what people say,” Ruturaj’s Childhood coach Sandeep Chavan revealed.
