IPL 2021: ‘Ruturaj Gaikwad is a fine player, we will continue to back him,’ says CSK coach Stephen Fleming


IPL 2021: ‘Ruturaj Gaikwad is a fine player, we will continue to back him,’ says CSK coach Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming and Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a brilliant comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a win against Punjab Kings (PBKS). After bowling out the opposition for 106, the MS Dhoni-led side comfortably chased down the target with six wickets in hand and more than four overs left.

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However, CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to deliver as he got out after scoring just five runs in 16 deliveries. The youngster couldn’t put much runs on the board during the game against Delhi Capitals as well. Meanwhile, head coach Stephen Fleming backed Gaikwad while mentioning that the franchise showed faith in him last year and his talent came through. He added that the team management will continue with the Faf-Gaikwad opening pair in the upcoming matches as well.

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“I am happy with the balance we have got in the team. Ruturaj (Gaikwad) is a fine player. He got a good ball in the first match and very difficult conditions today (Friday). It wasn’t a 220-run wicket today. It was much different. Ruturaj was a player we showed faith in last year, and his talent came through. Our philosophy when we pick players and put them in the team is to back them. This combination (Ruturaj-Faf du Plessis) is simply that,” Stephen Fleming said at a virtual press conference after CSK’s victory on Friday.

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‘Really encouraged with the way the XI played’: Fleming

CSK
CSK celebrate a wicket

Stephen Fleming was impressed with his side’s all-round performance during the PBKS clash. He added that the management will have to look at the addition of Lungi Ngidi in the side as the Proteas pacer has come out of his mandatory quarantine period. 

“When you put in a performance like this, it is hard to argue. We have Lungi Ngidi, who has now become available. But he is only out in the next couple of days. We will see how he comes out of quarantine. The performance today from the XI was very encouraging,” Fleming stated.

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