Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri heaped praise on Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) batter Ruturaj Gaikwad after the latter scored 99 runs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday, May 1 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Young Turk stitched together a 182-run partnership for the opening wicket with Devon Conway and helped CSK score 202/2.
Shastri took to Twitter and wrote, “So much to like about RG. Plays express pace like most do against medium pace. He will get there in time. No Doubts. Classy stuff tonight.”
Gaikwad started his IPL 2022 campaign on a poor note after getting out cheaply. However, scores of 73 and 99 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Sunrisers respectively, have helped him find form. Gaikwad mentioned that facing quality fast bowlers assists him immensely. He also talked about working on countering short-pitched.
“It felt good, better that it came in a win. (On season’s form) There will be times when good balls come in and bad luck, but with a good support staff you have faith. You have to start from 0, so I do not believe in form. I feel playing pace brings the best out of me,” Gaikwad said.
“(On facing short balls) I did not expect it. There are some types of balls which bowlers cannot always execute; it’s also two off six. So, I know when it’s not coming, but I do work on it. I told Devon he can take his time, I know the ground and that runs come along as he plays along,” he added.
