Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad had a rollercoaster ride in the 2020 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).
After landing in UAE, Gaikwad tested positive for COVID-19 and he had to be in isolation in a hotel room.
On his return to the team after 22 days in quarantine and two negative COVID-19 tests, the youngster was asked to bat in the middle order by CSK skipper MS Dhoni.
A first-ball duck on debut against Rajasthan Royals was followed by 5 against Delhi Capitals, but the twin failures didn’t dent his confidence.
Once he was given the opportunity to open the innings, Gaikwad didn’t disappoint his captain and registered the scores of 0, 65*, 72 and 62* in four innings.
Ahead of the IPL 2021, Ruturaj Gaikwad reflected on his last campaign and revealed how Dhoni’s comforting words helped him perform at the back end.
“Dhoni told me to enjoy my cricket and not think about the result — just enjoy the atmosphere, be calm, and once I got my eye in he was confident that I’d be able to make an impact,” Gaikwad was quoted as saying by the CSK website.
“I think it was a good reminder for me, because all I was looking for was the result and not thinking about the process. So it helped me a lot coming from him,” he added.
“No pressure at all,” Gaikwad said, looking ahead to the upcoming IPL, starting April 9.
“That’s because of the environment I’m in where the focus is on the process and not the result. I just want to enjoy the process and make sure I contribute in every opportunity I get for CSK,” he explained.
Gaikwad got to spend more time with Dhoni during this season’s pre-season camp in Chennai.
Talking about the lessons he learnt from the legendary cricketer, the 24-year-old said: “One of the important lessons I learnt from Dhoni is that there will be good and bad days in cricket, as in life, but what really matters is how honest you are to yourself, stay neutral in both situations and accept the fact that everyday won’t be your day. But whenever it’s your day it’s important to try and make it count.”
(With PTI inputs)
