IPL 2021: MS Dhoni gives batting tips to Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK start training in UAE

The second leg of the Indian Premier League 2021 is almost here and some of the Chennai Super Kings players have already arrived in the United Arab Emirates to start their practice. Along with MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Deepak Chahar, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has also touched down in the UAE. 

Dhoni is well known for imparting advice to young players and recently in a video released by the IPL team, he was seen advising Gaikwad something related to his batting. The CSK team has been practising at the ICC Academy in Dubai for the tournament which resumes on September 19. 

In the video, while all other players are practicing and having a little joke here and there, Dhoni is standing nearby Gaikwad trying to explain to him a crucial thing about batting. A closer look at the video tells you that he was explaining how he should let the ball come at him rather than playing a defensive shot. 

IPL 2021 second leg will be crucial for Ruturaj Gaikwad

Gaikwad has been one of the finds for the Chennai team in recent times. After making a successful appearance in the 2020 season as an opener, Gaikwad had a poor run in the role at the start of the 2021 season. However, he turned it around and by the time the tournament was called off, he had scored 196 runs in seven matches. 

Along with Faf du Plessis, he has played a huge role in making sure that the opening stand of CSK is secure. His performances in the IPL 2021 also helped to get the attention of the selectors. His record in List A cricket for India A has been also good in recent times and the IPL performances were just icing on the cake. 

His experience of having played for India wasn’t too good. The 24-year-old played two T20Is on the Sri Lankan tour in July. He managed to score only 35 runs in those two innings but would be looking to build on the experience and transform his game. Chennai will be playing the first game in the UAE leg against Mumbai Indians on September 19.