The Indian Premier League (IPL) has forever been a platform for young talents to not just rub shoulders with the greats of the game, but also prove their mettle which could eventually pave their way into international cricket. On Friday, in front of a packed Narendra Modi Stadium for the IPL 2023 opener, young cricketers had the perfect platform to show their talent in presence of the legendary MS Dhoni and one of the future leaders of Indian cricket Hardik Pandya. Ruturaj Gaikwad rose to the occasion and it led to a million-dollar praise from both the captains.
Gaikwad single-handedly carried Chennai Super Kings on Friday in the match against defending champions Gujarat Titans. He scored 92 off 50 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and nine sixes before Alzarri Joseph ended his bid to a much-deserving ton in the season opener.
The knock helped CSK post a total pf 178 for seven, which although did not end up being a match-winning score, but it drew immense praise from captain Dhoni after CSK's five-wicket loss.
"Ruturaj (Gaikwad) was brilliant, he times the ball well and he's a pleasure to watch. The way he picks his options, it is pleasing to watch. I think it's important for the youngsters to step in," Dhoni said.
Hardik, on the other hand, was in complete awe of Gaikwad's knock and felt that on Friday, he looked impossible to be dismissed.
{{/usCountry}}Hardik, on the other hand, was in complete awe of Gaikwad's knock and felt that on Friday, he looked impossible to be dismissed.
{{/usCountry}}“At one point, it looked like CSK would score 220-230. We were finding it difficult on what area we should bowl at Ruturaj. I genuinely felt that today we could not get him out at all,” Pandya told reporters. “Some of the shots that he played were not bad balls, he was punishing the good balls as well. As a bowling unit and as a captain, that made my job more difficult.”
The India all-rounder further backed the CSK youngster to do “wonders” for Indian cricket.
“Some of the shots Rutu played was nothing to do with the bowling. He played some outrageous shots. Full credit to him the way he batted and if he continues to do so he is going to do wonders for Indian cricket. He has the game and I am sure when the time comes Indian cricket team will back him enough,” he said.