Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is seen throughout his splendid knock towards Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 28, 2024.
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Not many gamers entered this 12 months’s version of the IPL with extra strain and expectations than Ruturaj Gaikwad. On the eve of the event opener, the 27-year-old took over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings, filling within the monumental footwear of M.S. Dhoni. And it was not straightforward for him initially of the season, because it took 5 video games to get his first half-century.
Especially with an out-of-form prime order and the absence of his common opening associate, Devon Conway, the Super Kings skipper was trying to find the fitting strategy. He even demoted himself to quantity three in two outings to accommodate Ajinkya Rahane, who was battling a calf challenge.
But within the final 5 matches, Ruturaj has come into his personal with three half-centuries and a ton whereas hanging at over 170. At a time when the main target of most openers is to blast the leather-based off the cork, Ruturaj has proven the virtues of timing and placement can nonetheless do wonders.
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey praised Ruturaj and felt the latter was one step forward of the bowlers.
“He is a brilliant timer of the cricket ball,” mentioned Hussey. “I’ve been asking him what his secret is in terms of his placement; he always finds the gaps. He is also a smart batter; he knows when to attack and when to soak up pressure.”
One query forward of the season was how he would carry out with the burden of captaincy, and Hussey felt he was rising properly into the position.
“It’s been challenging for him as well. He has taken over the captaincy role from arguably the greatest skipper of all time in this country and has been able to come in and keep his batting standards up very high. He’s got some good help around him with Stephen Fleming and Dhoni. But to take care of the captaincy aspect in addition to his batting is a real credit to him,” Hussey added.