Chennai Super Kings’s star opener Ruturaj Gaikwad had a dream run in the just-concluded 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League. The CKS opener was sensational with the bat throughout the season and emerged out as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2021.
The 24-year-old amassed 635 runs from the 16 games he played for Chennai Super Kings at an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136. He became the youngest batsman to win the Orange Cap. Gaikwad also won the emerging player of the season award.
Recently, in an interview, Ruturaj Gaikwad once revealed how the legendary skipper MS Dhoni, who is also the skipper of Chennai Super Kings, motivated him by saying that he is capable of finishing the matches for the team.
Speaking to New Indian express Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked about the advice he got from MS Dhoni. Responding to which Gaikwad replied:
“From him, it was just about managing the risk factor. That is what he did and it is something I tend to as well, especially while chasing.”
Ruturaj also made a heart-winning statement by saying how the job of a set man is to take his team towards the finish line. He said:
“If you are set batsman, you have to finish the job by taking it deep.”
Furthermore, Gaikwad talked about his performances and revealed what led to MS Dhoni advice him to finish the game. He revealed how he was getting out on the 40s in some games even when everything was in control and then MS Dhoni’s words came to his rescue. He said:
“There were a couple of matches where I got out in the 40s when things were under control and not much was needed. That’s when he came up and said, you are capable of finishing matches and you should try and do that because that is what separates a good player and a great player.
He added:
“He put a lot of emphasis on that. And I told him I too want to head in that direction.”
Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s crucial performances in every match helped Chennai Super Kings to win their 4th title of IPL. CSK had defeated Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 27 runs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the season final.
