IPL 2023: Ruturaj Gaikwad has a bright future, says Wasim Akram after CSK win 5th IPL title

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels Ruturaj Gaikwad has a bright future for the Indian team. Gaikwad played a key role in taking Chennai Super Kings to glory in the 16th season of the Indian Premier League 2023.

The CSK opener scored 590 runs in 15 IPL innings at an impressive average of 42.14 and a strike rate of 147.50. Ergo, he played an instrumental role in providing solid starts to the team along with his opening partner Devon Conway, who scored 672 runs in 15 innings at an average of 51.69 and finished as the third-highest run-getter of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Gaikwad has this great gift of timing the ball and he is a treat to the eyes when he gets going. Furthermore, Gaikwad was also able to better his strike rate this season.

Gaikwad has scored 1797 runs in 52 IPL matches at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 135.52. Moreover, the right-hander has impressed with his performances in the domestic circuit while playing for Maharashtra.

“He came up with an excellent performance under pressure. The plus with him is that he is physically very fit. He is a very good fielder and is young as well. Gaikwad has a bright future when it comes to Indian cricket as well as the franchises he plays for,” said Akram on Sportskeeda.

On the other hand, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif showered praise on Shubman Gill. The youngster amassed 890 runs in 17 matches of IPL 2023 at an average of 59.33 and an impressive strike rate of 157.80 to finish as the leading run-getter of the tournament and bagged the Orange Cap.

“Gill is a very organized player and is mentally very strong. He knows how to score depending on the conditions. When big players strike form, they don’t relax. They are alert mentally and want to maximize their gains,” said Kaif while talking to SK.

Gill scored one of the best knocks of IPL 2023 when he smashed 129 runs off just 60 balls in the second qualifier against Mumbai Indians.

“The hunger and hard work Gill puts in during practice is evident. He single-handedly won the game for Gujarat against Mumbai,” Kaif added.

Both Gill and Gaikwad have shown tremendous skills and they are definitely the future of Indian cricket.