Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad after the flamboyant batter scored 99 runs off just 57 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Sunday.
Gaikwad, who has not been in the best of forms in the ongoing season, played at the top of his game.
As Gaikwad plays his domestic cricket for Maharashtra, he is well familiar with the pitch and the ground. Gaikwad was able to time the ball to perfection and he was able to hit the ground running against the SRH bowlers.
The stylish batter scored six fours and as many sixes in his fine knock and there was no stopping him. However, he was a bit unlucky to miss out on a well-deserved hundred.
Gaikwad took a special liking for Umran Malik as he made the most of his extra pace. Malik was taken for 48 runs in his four overs and Gaikwad scored the bulk of the runs against him.
The right-hander added 182 runs with his opening partner Devon Conway, which is the highest opening alliance for CSK in the IPL history.
Chopra added that Gaikwad enjoys playing at his home ground as he had scored 73 runs against Gujarat Titans earlier in the season.
Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Rutu ka raj, this player likes the Pune ground. It is Ruturaj’s home ground, he plays Ranji Trophy for Maharashtra. He has a different relationship with this ground. If it is up to him, he will pack the Pune pitch and take it everywhere in his kitbag.”
“You had to start well and there came Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has not scored runs in all other matches, only when he comes to Pune, he scored runs last time and this time when he has come, he scored runs again.”
“He missed his century by one run but we will not talk about the one missed run and instead about the 99 runs. He destroyed them, how well he bats. When he bats, it feels you keep on watching his batting on loop, you will not get bored.”
Ruturaj will look to continue the good show for Chennai Super Kings and he is going to hold the key for the franchise in the rest of the games. CSK will next take on RCB at the MCA, Pune on Wednesday.
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