Ruturaj Gaikwad
had an up and down season for CSK in IPL 2020. He contracted COVID-19, and upon his return to the field, was dismissed for two ducks in his first three innings.
Despite the setback, CSK, under the leadership of M. S. Dhoni, stuck by the opener. Gaikwad repaid the faith, striking three fifties in an otherwise disappointing season for the team.
In IPL 2021, Gaikwad proved that CSK was right in earmarking him for big things. The Maharashtra batter finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, with 635 runs. He scored four fifties, and an unbeaten 101 against Rajasthan Royals in Abu Dhabi. He came good in the crucial Qualifier 1, racking up a 50-ball 70 to help CSK defeat Delhi Capitals.
Ruturaj, who has played two T20IS in the recent tour to Sri Lanka, does not feature in the T20 World Cup squad.