‘Ruturaj Gaikwad was brilliant’ – Chennai skipper MS Dhoni praises young batter for his knock in season opener against Gujarat

The four-time champions Chennai didn’t have a great start to the Indian T20 League 2023, as they lost the opening match of the season to Gujarat by 5 wickets. Chennai was asked to bat first by Gujarat skipper Hardik Pandya, and at one time, it was looking like they could easily cross the 200-run mark. However, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and posted 178 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was the main anchor of Chennai with his 92-run knock from 50 balls. The 26-year-old smashed four fours and nine sixes during his innings. Apart from him, no other batter could stay in the crease for a long time. Gujarat chased the winning total by losing 5 wickets in 19.2 overs powered by Shubman Gill’s 63 off 36 with six fours and three sixes, followed by the finishing touches by Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia.

‘The way he picks his options is pleasing to watch’ – MS Dhoni

Chennai skipper MS Dhoni admitted that the batters failed to take the advantage of a good start and they were 15-20 runs short. However, Dhoni also praised Gaikwad for his splendid knock and said that it was pleasing to watch him bat.

“We were slightly short. Another 15-20 runs would have been good. We all know there would be a little bit of dew. Also, it was a 7.30 pm start. So the ball holds on a little early on. Also, we could have batted properly in the middle overs as opposed to trying to muscle the ball,” Dhoni said during the post-match presentation.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad was brilliant. He times the ball well and he’s a pleasure to watch. The way he picks his options is pleasing to watch. He has groomed himself very well, and makes the right decisions under pressure,” he further added.

Dhoni also heaped praise on the debutant Raj Hangargekar, who scalped 3 wickets in the match. The Chennai skipper said that the young pacer will only get better with time. “I think it’s important for the youngsters to step in. I think Raj (Hangargekar) has pace and he will get better with time. Think the bowlers will get better. A no-ball is something that’s in your control, so you need to work on that,” Dhoni said.