Former India batter Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad for his brilliant knock of 92 off 50 balls against Gujarat Titans in the opening match of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite Gaikwad's heroics, defending champions GT won the match by five wickets.
Gaikwad's knock of genius
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra commended Gaikwad for showing glimpses of genius during his innings. According to Chopra, Gaikwad's shot-making was absolutely sublime against Gujarat Titans. Despite a slightly spongy pitch, Gaikwad smashed four boundaries and nine sixes to help CSK post a total of 178/7 in the first innings.
"All sixes with cricketing shots - straight down the ground, flicks and pulls. He was absolutely sublime. If you score 92 runs in a total of less than 180, which means you have scored more than 50% of the runs on a pitch where everyone was struggling slightly and going at a run-a-ball, wow Ruturaj,” Chopra added.
Gaikwad's IPL struggles
Chopra also acknowledged that Gaikwad had a starting problem in the IPL, as he would take a few matches to get into his groove. However, Gaikwad has hit the ground running from Day 1 in the 2023 IPL season.
"There used to be a starting problem. In the first three matches in the last three years, nine matches in all, he hadn't scored a total of 100 runs, but here he missed a hundred by just eight runs. He was absolutely outstanding,” said Chopra.
MS Dhoni's contribution
Chopra also praised MS Dhoni for his contribution to CSK's innings. Dhoni, who is close to completing 5000 runs in the IPL, scored 14 runs off 7 balls in the final over to help CSK post close to 180 runs in the first innings.
"It seemed this team might not reach close to 180 but Dhoni came and shone. That's the way, Mahi way. He hit very well - a six and then a four off Joshua Little. 14 runs off seven balls - he is now just seven runs short of 5000 runs in this tournament,” Chopra added.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chopra's praise for Gaikwad's knock highlights the potential of the young CSK opener, who has struggled in the IPL in the past. With the likes of MS Dhoni to guide him, Gaikwad could become a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.
FAQs
Who is Ruturaj Gaikwad?
Ruturaj Gaikwad is a Chennai Super Kings opener who scored 92 off 50 balls against Gujarat Titans in the opening match of the 2023 Indian Premier League.
Who praised Gaikwad's knock?
Former India batter Aakash Chopra praised Gaikwad's brilliant knock, saying he showed glimpses of genius during his innings.
How many runs did CSK post in the first innings?
CSK posted a total of 178/7 in the first innings, thanks to Ruturaj Gaikwad's knock of 92 off 50 balls.
Who is close to completing 5000 runs in the IPL?
MS Dhoni is close to completing 5000 runs in the IPL. He scored 14 runs off 7 balls in the final over to help
Who is Ruturaj Gaikwad? Ruturaj Gaikwad is a Chennai Super Kings opener who scored 92 off 50 balls against Gujarat Titans in the opening match of the 2023 Indian Premier League.
Who praised Gaikwad's knock? Former India batter Aakash Chopra praised Gaikwad's brilliant knock, saying he showed glimpses of genius during his innings.
How many runs did CSK post in the first innings? CSK posted a total of 178/7 in the first innings, thanks to Ruturaj Gaikwad's knock of 92 off 50 balls.
Who is close to completing 5000 runs in the IPL? MS Dhoni is close to completing 5000 runs in the IPL. He scored 14 runs off 7 balls in the final over to help
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