xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Team India Head Coach Ravi Shastri gave a big compliment to Ruturaj Gaikwad, especially the way he handled Umran Malik’s express pace during Sunday nights IPL 2022 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MCA stadium in Pune. Shastri was spot on as very few batters in the ongoing IPL have played Umran with such an authority. The batter from Maharashtra though missed a much deserved hundred, as he was dismissed for 99 runs by T Natarajan. Gaikwad was also involved in a 182-run partnership for the first wicket with Devon Conway, helping CSK to a total of 202/2.

Ruturaj was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match as Chennai Super Kings registered a 13-run victory. Shastri took to Twitter in heaping praise for the right-handed batter for his technique in the middle.

He tweeted, “So much to like about RG. Plays express pace like most do against medium pace. He will get there in time. No Doubts. Classy stuff tonite.”

Gaikwad, who was the Orange Cap holder last season did not have the greatest of starts in IPL 2022.  His best scores in this edition of IPL were 73 and 99 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Sunrisers, respectively.

On being asked about the ease at which he played Umran Malik’s pace, Gaikwad stated that facing quality fast bowlers is extremely beneficial to him. He also mentioned that he is striving to counter short-pitched deliveries.

“It felt good, better that it came in a win. (On season’s form) There will be times when good balls come in and bad luck, but with a good support staff you have faith. You have to start from 0, so I do not believe in form. I feel playing pace brings the best out of me,” Gaikwad said.