Ruturaj Gaikwad, India’s opening batsman, credits his enhanced grasp of the T20 format to the valuable guidance provided by Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni. Gaikwad’s impressive display in the ongoing T20I series against Australia, where he scored 213 runs, featuring a century in the third Guwahati match, highlights the positive influence of Dhoni’s mentorship.
Communication between Ruturaj and MS Dhoni
Gaikwad appreciates the valuable lessons he learned during his time with CSK, highlighting Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s careful approach to understanding the game. According to Gaikwad, Dhoni consistently communicates about the team’s goals and the specific needs for a situation, whether the batsman is starting or well into the innings. Gaikwad believes that this mindset has greatly influenced his approach, and he aims to continue applying these insights.
In the third game, despite Gaikwad’s impressive century, India experienced a defeat, largely attributed to an outstanding performance by Glenn Maxwell. Gaikwad’s century was a significant moment as it became the first time an Indian player scored a hundred against the strong Australian team in T20Is. The CSK opener now joins an elite club of Indian players, such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Deepak Hooda, and Suryakumar Yadav, who have achieved the milestone of scoring a century in T20 internationals.
“He sends a message that you have to look for the team score and what the team requires irrespective of the situation of the game. In T20s, you always have to be ahead of the game mentally and I give a lot of importance to that. The night before, I visualise what kind of situation may occur during the game, and how the pitch may behave,” Ruturaj said.
India is getting ready for the last T20I against Australia in Bengaluru, and Gaikwad’s path showcases how Dhoni’s guidance and the significant role of CSK have shaped his approach to T20 cricket.
