Got a lot of tips from MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis; will apply those during the Sri Lanka tour: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently with the Indian contingent for their Sri Lanka tour. He is a probable alternative to open the innings alongside Shikhar Dhawan. However, given a chance, Gaikwad is optimistic about doing well especially after the plethora of guidance and inputs he has packed up from his CSK skipper MS Dhoni and batting partner Faf du Plessis ahead of his selection.

Ruturaj Gaikwad recounted his experiences of being with Dhoni, one of the smartest cricketing brains and that of the Proteas’ batting maestro Faf du Plessis in the CSK camp. Ruturaj added that the captain use to always suggest him what could be done and that the former did not talk much in the middle but then analyzed his game post the matches.

“Whenever I come back from the nets if he is around, he tells me what my flaws are and suggests solutions. Mahi Bhai’s words encourage me a lot. I got a lot of batting tips from Mahi Bhai and Faf and I am going to apply those on the Sri Lanka tour. Faf doesn’t speak much on the field. If I play a good shot, he will give a reaction. He comes, gives a fist pump. But after the match, he will ask several questions like how did I play that shot, etc. It’s fun to bat with him in the middle, Gaikwad told TimesofIndia.com.

Ruturaj Gaikwad opens up on MS Dhoni’s suggestions about his game

Gaikwad revealed that Dhoni emphasized the importance of playing his natural game without pressure and not paying much heed to what is going around He also told that the captain always supports his players which adds to their confidence.

“Mahi Bhai emphasizes more and more on being relaxed and staying calm while batting. He always tells me ‘Tu enjoy kar game ko, pressure mat le, aur naturally khel (Just enjoy your game, don’t take the pressure and play naturally). There will be a lot of things and talk that will happen around you when you play, just don’t bother about those, just focus on your game.”

The Indian team is all raring to face Sri Lanka for three ODIs and as many T20Is. Being a part of the Indian side is a special moment for any player and thus, the young Ruturaj his all pumped up to make his impact as and when he is given a chance. Opening up on that, he said that he is delighted to share the dressing room with Shikhar Dhawan.

“I want to take it one game at a time. If Shikhar Bhai asks me to open, I will. If he asks me to play in the middle order, I will be ready. I am ready to bat in any position. We just want to win the series in Sri Lanka. I am confident we will.” Ruturaj said.