IPL 2021: “When Mahi bhai is around, you don’t have to think anything” – Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad played one of the top innings for his side under pressure against Mumbai Indians (MI) in match 30 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The youngster credited skipper MS Dhoni and team management for ensuring a positive mindset throughout his phenomenal knock of 88* runs.

Batting first, the Chennai-based franchise lost as many as four crucial wickets inside the powerplay. However, Gaikwad, alongside Ravindra Jadeja (26) and Dwayne Bravo (23) stayed till the end to help CSK post a decent total of 156-6 on the board at the end of their 20 overs.

In reply, Mumbai Indians fell 20 runs short of the target as they could only score 136 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Ruturaj Gaikwad also won the ‘Player of the Match’ award. 

“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. When Mahi bhai is around and with the CSK management, once they back you, they don’t make you think anything but positive things,” said Ruturaj Gaikwad in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“SL tour and the preparation coming here did help”

Ruturaj Gaikwad also credited the recently-concluded limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, where he made his international debut. Gaikwad’s unbeaten 88 is now also the highest individual score in an innings by a CSK player against their arch-rivals MI Paltan.

“The SL tour and the preparation coming here did help too. Initially, the ball was seaming and swinging, so I had to take my chance against the spinners,” the 24-year-old added.

The Super Kings displaced Delhi Capitals (DC) to climb up to the pole position in the Points Table with six wins in eight matches. 

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