Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of those cricketers who found a place in the Indian dressing room after his valor in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Who is the Orange Cap winner of the 2021 season now playing for? India In the ongoing 5-match T20I series against South Africa.
He did not have a great start in the series, managing scores of 23 and 1. But in Vizag, he came back with all the guns and smashed 57 off 35 balls, which included 2 sixes and seven fours. After all, it was his maiden international half-century that helped India win the game by 48 runs.
Former South African pacer Dale Steyn heaped praise on the Maharashtra batsman, saying Gaikwad has come a long way in the last two years. Speaking with ESPNcricinfo, the former cricketer said that coming to the top of the innings is not easy, facing some of the best bowlers in the world and scoring consistently.
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“He has been looking really good over the last two years. He was Chennai Super Kings’ highest run-scorer a year ago (2021), and he is a quality player. When you’re opening the batting in the IPL, you usually come up against the best bowlers in the world, whether it’s (Kagiso) Rabada or Lockie Ferguson, you can throw all the names in the hat, and he goes for it. Ready said Stan.
Gaikwad. was the highest run scorer in IPL CSK lifted the trophy as of 2021, and their poor form in IPL 2022 contributed greatly to placing the Chennai franchise in ninth place this season.
Steyn said Gaikwad’s 57 off 35 balls in Visakhapatnam was a brilliant innings of control.
“A bit of luck, but you make your own luck. He (Gaikwad) looked amazing. He looked great, seemed in control. When it comes to pace and no issues with spin And he reads the game really well. He bats in the same vein as KL Rahul bats. He can hit your good deliveries for fours too,” Steyn said.
The fourth match of the series will be played in Rajkot on Friday in which South Africa are leading 2-1.
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