IPL 2021: Du Plessis makes my job easier – Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad says his opening partner Faf du Plessis makes his job easier by taking the attack to the opposition and playing audacious shots.

Faf du Plessis was the aggressor in the initial stages of the partnership as he raced to 24 off just 14 balls, which allowed Gaikwad to take his time.

The right-hander from Maharashtra had returned with scores of 5, 5, and 10 in the first three matches and thus he was low on confidence. Gaikwad is a timer of the ball and du Plessis’ early burst against KKR at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday allowed him to take extra couple of balls.

Gaikwad also gained confidence after timing a few balls and then changed gears. The right-hander scored a fine knock of 64 runs from only 42 balls with the help of six fours and four sixes. Gaikwad added a fine opening alliance of 115 runs with Faf du Plessis to lay down the foundation of a massive score of 220 runs.

“With Faf, it is pretty much easy. He has an innovation skill so he takes on the bowlers and it makes my job a little bit easier,” Gaikwad told teammate Lungi Ngidi in a video posted on the IPL website.

“Against KKR, it was a matter of taking a bit of time for me. We were playing on a small ground, we had to keep going. “One over I used to take chances, the next over Faf used to take. It was just having each other’s knowledge and knowing each other very well,” Gaikwad added.

Gaikwad added that it was nice to get back among the runs after a sedate start for him in the tournament. The right-hander had scored only 20 runs in the first three matches but got back into form as the team backed him.

“Obviously, it feels good (to be back among runs). Icing on the cake is winning for the team. It feels good when you contribute for the team but I think it was a great experience,” Gaikwad said.

The 24-year old from Pune will aim to continue his good form. Gaikwad had impressed in the previous season as he had 204 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 51. CSK will next play RCB at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 25th April.