IPL 2021 CSK vs MI: Ruturaj Gaikwad's Inning Was A Remarkable One As It Helped CSK To Create Pressure: Stephen Fleming

Ruturaj Gaikwad played the impetus knock for CSK against Mumbai Indians as IPL 2021 finally resumed in Dubai after four-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gaikwad scored 88 runs off 58 balls, his innings was laced by nine fours and four sixes as CSK triumphed over Mumbai Indians by 20 runs despite an early collapse in the game.

Mumbai Indians New Zealand pacers Trent Boult and Adam Milne gave massive blows to MS Dhoni and his men as the duo brought CSK down to 24/4 at the end of the powerplay.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s power-fire helped CSK seal victory against MI

However, Gaikwad combined with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to build an 81-run stand between them that resurrected the sinking ship. Gaikwad pulled Mumbai Indians stand-in skipper Kieron Pollard for a boundary to bring up his sixth IPL fifty.

Jadeja holed out to Pollard as he was early in his shot against Jasprit Bumrah’s off-cutter. Soon Gaikwad was joined by Dwayne Bravo, who hit 23 off eight balls, before getting out to Bumrah in the final over.

Gaikwad was restless in the death overs as he alone scored 32 runs in the last four overs where he smashed Bumrah for a couple of sixes, the one that came off the final delivery defined the batter’s audacity in a very sweet manner.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s innings against Mumbai Indians was really special: Stephen Fleming

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming called Gaikwad’s inning a remarkable one and mentioned that helped the team to build pressure on the opposition.

“Yeah, it was very special. We have had tabs on him for some time. Even last time we were here, we rushed him back given the shape he was in from Covid-19 because that’s how much regard and respect we have for his ability. The way he finished off the IPL last year in Dubai set him up for the first part in India and innings against Mumbai Indians was really special,” Fleming said during a virtual press post-match conference.

“When you are the one to give your team a chance, that is, even more, special so the way he went about his work and absorbed pressure, it was really down to his hand that we were able to create pressure so it was a remarkable inning really,” he added.

CSK’s victory against MI took them to the top of the points table as they topple Delhi Capitals on a superior net run rate.

Also Read: IPL 2021: The SL Tour And The Preparation Coming Here Helped – Ruturaj Gaikwad On Match-Winning 88*