Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo: IPL)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran batsman Suresh Raina compared Ruturaj Gaikwad to MS Dhoni, stating that he’s ready to play for the country in the coming future. Gaikwad ended as the top scorer of the IPL 2021 season, winning the orange cap with 635 runs in 16 matches.

On the back of his formidable alliance with Faf du Plessis, CSK dominated the playoff stages and eventually won their fourth IPL title. After a string of poor performances, Raina was left out of the team but proved once again that he’s a team man. Speaking about their victory, Raina mentioned how well prepared Gaikwad is to represent India.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suresh Raina

I feel that he’s ready to play for the country. The way he has performed under pressure is commendable, even in the playoffs. He’s more of a Mahi Bhai type of person. He’s very calm and composed and works really hard,” Raina said.

“They have been playing well right from the first game” – Suresh Raina on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis

CSK’s success in the IPL 2021 season was down to their excellent opening partnership. Gaikwad and Du Plessis finished as the top scorers of the tournament, scoring 635 and 633 runs respectively. The former also scored a brilliant hundred against RR earlier in the season while the latter turned up for the final, scoring a 59-ball 86 to lead the side to a win.

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Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad

The way Ruturaj and du Plessis batted, I think they created momentum right from the start. They have been playing well right from the first game. Faf has played in T20 leagues everywhere, and his vast experience matters a lot,” said Raina praising the duo.

Raina might go out of favour in the next season with the IPL 2022 mega auction coming up. As for CSK, they are reportedly planning to retain Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni.

Also, Read – Suresh Raina To Be Dropped By CSK For IPL 2022, Ambati Rayudu, Faf du Plessis, and Dwayne Bravo To Be Targetted In The Mega Auction- Reports