Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Cricketing Brain Similar to Dhoni, says Michael Hussey

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s on-field persona mirrors Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s, says CSK batting coach Michael Hussey.

The batting coach’s remark comes at the back of CSK’s win over Rajasthan Royals in their recent Indian Premier League match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Gaikwad took his team over the line with a calm and composed unbeaten 42 off 41 balls, helping his team chase a modest 142 on a two-paced Chepauk wicket. Gaikwad has played aggressive roles in the league and has modified his game according to the situation, showing great character, just like former CSK skipper Dhoni used to do in the past.

“I think he (Ruturaj Gaikwad) is doing a fantastic job. The more he does it and the more he feels comfortable in himself, being the captain as well, I think he only grows as a captain. He already has a very good cricket brain and a great feel for the game – we saw that in the way he played (against Rajasthan Royals). He knew when to knock it around and when to accelerate. The more he does it, the more he will trust himself. That was one of Dhoni’s great assets,” Hussey opined.

The former Australian batter lauded the way Gaikwad has evolved as a skipper of the franchise. He said Gaikwad has the experience of Dhoni and Stephen Fleming (head coach of CSK) to guide him and spoke highly of his mindset. “I think Ruturaj has been fantastic as captain. He has got a very calm demeanour on how he wants to go about it as well. Fortunately, he has great minds with him in the initial stages of his career. Dhoni is obviously still there, helping him behind the scenes. Fleming is also there. He has great minds to bounce ideas off. Ruturaj can only get better and better,” Hussey said.

Chennai Super Kings travel to Bengaluru to meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league match on May 18, with the match promising to be a humdinger with the winner progressing to the play-offs and the loser getting eliminated from the league.

Both CSK and RCB have played 13 matches each and are on 14 and 12 points, respectively.