IPL 2021: MS Dhoni always motivates me, trying to learn as much as possible from him – Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has said that his team’s skipper MS Dhoni always tries to motivate him and he is trying to learn as much as possible from the veteran player. Gaikwad played a match-winning knock of 70 runs off just 50 balls against Delhi Capitals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday as CSK won by four wickets to book their place in the ninth IPL final.

The stylish right-hander timed the ball to perfection and batted with great maturity to get his team close to the target of 173 runs. The CSK opener added a crucial alliance of 110 runs with experienced Robin Uthappa for the second wicket after the team lost the early wicket of Faf du Plessis in the first over.

Gaikwad revealed that MS Dhoni always tries to encourage him and tells him to finish matches. The right-hander has been a big positive for CSK and he has delivered the goods for the team. The youngster also became the third CSK batter to complete 600 runs in an IPL season after Michael Hussey and Ambati Rayudu.

Ruturaj Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation after he was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine knock, “Every time, Dhoni tries to encourage me and start afresh every game. Learn from every game and move forward. He said to try and finish the game. It is what separates good players from normal players. I am just looking to learn as much as possible till he is here and stay humble”.

Gaikwad added that he tries to follow a process and the team’s aim was to make the most of the powerplay overs as they were chasing a par score of 173 runs against a quality bowling line-up. CSK was able to get 59 runs off the first six overs despite losing the early wicket of Faf du Plessis.

Gaikwad added, “It’s just normal. Just go through normal routines whatever you have been following throughout the tournament and just try and stay neutral. Each and every game you start from 0, so it’s important to start again and start fresh and be up for a challenge whatever it is. Powerplay was a crucial stage and the wicket was holding a little bit. We had to get off to a good start. Robin batted really well, he took on the bowlers and it got a little bit easier for me to stay till the end and bat throughout the innings. At times, you have to take the odd risk. I plan for 2-3 overs, think of who is likely to bowl and who I can target, big-short boundary, who I can target better. You have to be crystal clear, go through the process, take one over at a time and ensure that the required rate doesn’t go up too much and take it deep”.

Gaikwad has scored 603 runs in 15 matches and he wil look to continue his good form in the final match.