IPL: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s innings vs MI was really special, says CSK coach Stephen Fleming
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming echoed captain MS Dhoni’s words, saying Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 88-run knock against Mumbai Indians was really special and the young opener absorbed pressure well.
Gaikwad laid the foundation with an unbeaten 58-ball 88 before Dwayne Bravo led an excellent bowling display to power Chennai Super Kings to a crushing 20-run win over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 in Dubai on Sunday.
CSK were reduced to 24 for 4 at the end of the powerplay but Ruturaj Gaikwad came up with a classy inning (88 not out) to help them post 156 on the board in the quota of 20 overs.
“Yeah, it was very special. We have had tabs on him for some time. Even last time we were here, we rushed him back given the shape he was in from Covid-19 because that’s how much regard and respect we have for his ability. The way he finished off the IPL last year in Dubai set him up for the first part in India and innings against Mumbai Indians was really special,” Fleming said during a virtual press post-match conference.
“When you are the one to give your team a chance, that is, even more, special so the way he went about his work and absorbed pressure, it was really down to his hand that we were able to create pressure so it was a remarkable inning really,” he added.
Fleming has shared an update on Ambati Rayudu’s arm injuring during the game against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, September 19 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
“Rayudu’s X-Ray was clear, it was just a bad bruise at that stage and he lost a little bit of grip. We feared that it might be broken but there is good news. Deepak Chahar was a cramp, we will check that, fingers crossed, they both will come through reasonably okay.”
Talking about the batting depth, Fleming said: “We are a little bit spoilt to have Dwayne Bravo at number eight and Shardul Thakur Thakur at nine. It is not by accident, we have designed it that way so that we could keep a faster tempo. It is good to have the depth and quality of batsmanship way down to number nine.”
