IPL 2021: Powerplay Was A Crucial Stage, It Was Easier To Bat Through With Robin - Ruturaj Gaikwad After His Match-Winning 70 vs DC

Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad said that Robin Uthappa made things easier for him with his fiery start that allowed him to settle and attack later on. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 70 while Uthappa finished with 63 as CSK defeated the Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 on Sunday in Dubai and booked a place in the final once again.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who now has scored 603 runs this season, bagged the Man of the Match award. After losing Faf du Plessis in the first over, Gaikwad and Uthappa forged a 110-run stand. After a mini-collapse, MS Dhoni added the finishing touches with his 6-ball 18-run knock as CSK chased down 173 in the last over.

“It’s just normal. Just go through normal routines that I have been following throughout the tournament. Powerplay was a crucial stage and the wicket was holding a little bit. It was easier to bat through with Robin going well,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation.

I am just looking to learn as much as possible till Dhoni is here: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad talked about how he goes about his innings, calculating the target, assessing the conditions and the opposition bowling attack.

Speaking about skipper MS Dhoni, the young opener said he has been learning as much as possible from Dhoni. He added that Dhoni always encourages him and helps with his mindset ahead of the game.

“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 and ensure the required rate doesn’t go up too much. Every time Dhoni tries to encourage me and start afresh every game. Learn from every game and move forward. I am just looking to learn as much as possible till he is here,” the CSK opener concluded.

CSK will take on the winner of Qualifier 2 in the final on Friday in Dubai. Delhi will face the winner of the Eliminator, which is between RCB and KKR on Monday.

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