Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team to be eliminated from IPL 2020 after a woeful start to their campaign. However, they have won their last two games with the youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad registering match-defining half-centuries in both.

The Pune-born batsman scored just 5 runs in his first 3 games including 2 ducks. In his fourth outing, he settled down and then showed his class to the world with an unbeaten maiden fifty in the IPL. He followed it up with a blistering knock of 72 runs off just 53 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

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After the game, he was asked about his feelings coming back from being COVID positive to scoring back-to-back fifties. He revealed that COVID had actually made him stronger. He also followed his captain, MS Dhoni's words to smile in all situations.

Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation, "Covid has made me tough. Our captain always says to face any situation with a smile. It was difficult but I tried to do it. It made me stay in the present."

The 23-year-old also revealed he needed time in the middle to get going. He did not face enough deliveries in the first three games but settled down in the next two and scored big. He also revealed that he works out in the gym and has six-pack abs.

"Feeling good, pretty confident. thankfully they've both come in wins. I've backed myself because both innings I got out when the situations were a little tough. I knew if I get the opportunity to open and get my time, I would do well. So the confidence was there," the youngster said.

"I do work hard in the gym and I have a six pack and all," he added.

'Our Captain always says, face any situation with a smile,' says Ruturaj Gaikwad.#Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/0BLJY0o0K0

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 29, 2020