‘Focus on playing for CSK’ – Brad Hogg advises Ruturaj Gaikwad to not think about future with Team India

Chennai Super Kings are enduring a hard time in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and so is their opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad. The right-handed batter enjoyed a highly productive season in 2021 and even clinched the Orange Cap, having scored 635 runs. However, the tables have turned as Gaikwad is enduring one failure after another.

So far, he has recorded scores of 0, 1, 1 and 16, as the defending champions have lost their first four games of the season. Speaking of his struggle, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg reckons Gaikwad is concerned about playing for the Indian team and the same has been his nemesis this season. Hence, Hogg stated that the 25-year-old should focus on playing well for CSK instead of thinking about his future.

Brad Hogg has a piece of advice for Ruturaj Gaikwad

“If Gaikwad is thinking of playing for India rather than what he can do for the team, he’s going to be found wanting. Because you can’t think like that. You’ve got to focus on what you’re doing now and let everything else take care of itself,” said Hogg on his YouTube channel.

Notably, Gaikwad’s heroics last season earned him a Team India debut. He played three T20Is and scored 39 runs. Although he didn’t get regular chances in the playing XI, he remained in the squad for many white-ball series. With such dismal performances, he isn’t likely to be a part of India’s upcoming white-ball assignments. Hence, the youngster must buckle up.

Meanwhile, Hogg also explained CSK’s struggles, stating that the side has been woeful across all departments. “Simply, they (CSK) are not batting, bowling or fielding well. All three departments, they are outplayed. We go to the top of the order first – Ruturaj Gaikwad. At present, he has had his struggles on the bouncier wickets up here in Mumbai,” said the former KKR spinner.

“He doesn’t know whether to play the cut shot or backfoot drive; he is just flirting outside the off-stump and giving opportunities to the opposition teams,” added the 51-year-old.

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