Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad on his knock: One of my top innings until now

The supremely talented Ruturaj Gaikwad batted for an unbeaten 58-ball 88 to lift the Chennai Super Kings from 7/3 to 156 for 6 against the Mumbai Indians as the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League resumed in Dubai on Sunday.

Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by 20 runs to go top of the points table. Ruturaj, who laid the foundation of the Chennai Super Kings win admitted that it was his best knock until now.

“Obviously one of my top innings till now. With the pressure of early wickets and with the seniors in the dressing room, I just had to grind and get the team to 130, 140 and then 150 was possible,” Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation.

“When Mahi Bhai is around and with the CSK management, once they back you, you don’t have to think much,” he added.

The 24-year-old Gaikwad, who made his India debut on the Covid hit Sri Lanka series said that the tour helped him to get back in the grove for the second leg of the IPL.

“The Sri Lanka tour and the preparation coming here did help too,” said Gaikwad.

The supremely talented Maharashtra batsman smashed nine fours and three sixes during his stay at the crease. However, he said that the batting was not easy as it was a double-paced wicket.

“Initially the ball was seaming and swinging so I had to take my chance against the spinners. Jaddu just came in and I had to take my chance and it came off well,” said Ruturaj.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was dropped on 19 by Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Rahul Chahar’s bowling.