IPL 2022: Ruturaj Gaikwad has all the shots in the book – Sunil Gavaskar

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has showered praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad as he said the youngster has all the shots in the book.

The Little Master feels the Maharashtrian batter has little to improve as he is a technically sound batsman. Gaikwad is known to time the ball to perfection and he has done a fine job at the top of the order for Chennai Super Kings.

The right-hander had scored 635 runs in 16 matches in the previous season for the MS Dhoni-led team and thus ended as the highest run-getter of the tournament to bag the Orange Cap. Consequently, he played an instrumental role in taking CSK to glory in the previous season.

The right-hander has delivered the goods for CSK as he scored 839 runs in 22 IPL matches at an average of 46.61 and a strike rate of 132.13.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad is another player who has very little areas to improve. There is nothing really required as far as Gaikwad’s improvement is concerned. He has got all the shots in the book, but the most impressive aspect is his shot selection. Whatever shot he plays, he doesn’t get cowed down,” Gavaskar said the Star Sports show ‘Gameplan’.

Gaikwad also makes good use of the powerplay overs as he can clear the field with his sheer timing.

“He is not afraid to play the lofted shot when required and his shot selection has been very good in the IPL. So, there is very little that Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to do. All he needs to do is keep on scoring runs similar to last season.”

On the other hand, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Venkatesh Iyer. The left-hander scored 370 runs in 10 matches of the previous season for KKR while opening the batting.

“For Team India, he was in the team playing a completely different role as a batting all-rounder and playing the role of a finisher which, in my opinion, is a very tough thing to do. But for KKR this season, I see him playing the role of an explosive opener,” said Chopra.

“If you look at the second half of the last IPL, no one really expected him to do what he did. The grounds in Maharashtra are very conducive for stroke-making and he will look to provide KKR the kind of start they must be expecting him to give.”

KKR will begin their IPL 2022 campaign against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on 26th March.