IPL 2021: WATCH- His demeanor is like Dhoni, CSK lucky to have him- Uthappa lauds Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been an integral part of CSK since last year.

Robin Uthappa lauded his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad as he feels CSK is lucky to have Gaikwad at their disposal. The young right-hand batter has scored 362 runs for CSK so far in IPL 2021 and has been an integral part of this squad since last year.

“I think the character showed from Rutu (Ruturaj Gaikwad), I think is unbelievable,” Uthappa said in a video shared by CSK from their official Twitter handle.

Calm, composed.. ???? that before? ????

Robbing ???? ft. Rutu! #WhistlePodu #Yellove ???? @Ruutu1331 @robbieuthappa pic.twitter.com/YTxkrPvlPK

— Chennai Super Kings - Mask P????du Whistle P????du! (@ChennaiIPL) September 28, 2021

The right-handed Gaikwad had delivered an unbelievable inning against the five-time champions and current defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the UAE-leg opener of IPL 2021 on September 19 where the Chennai-based franchise was reduced to 24/4 within the powerplay.

IPL 2021: Cricket fraternity reacts as Hardik Pandya’s blitzkrieg gives MI their first win in UAE-leg

But thanks to a fantastic batting display by youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad who scored an unbeaten 88 (58) with 9 boundaries and 4 maximums, CSK made a competitive total of 156/6 and eventually MS Dhoni-led franchise registered a 20-run win over MI.

“I think he is an incredible talent that we (CSK) are lucky enough to have and his demeanor is much like Mahi (Dhoni) - calm, composed, chilled out, and a really nice human being. I really like him, he's a great kid,” the 35-year-old Uthappa said.

As far as CSK are concerned, they are yet to lose a game in this second-leg of IPL 2021 with the side occupying the top spot with 16 points to their name in 10 matches (8 wins and 2 losses).

The MS Dhoni and Co. will be next locking horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday (30 September) at Sharjah.

(With India Today Inputs)