Image Credit- BCCI
After MS Dhoni gave
him the captaincy, Ruturaj Gaikwad led the Chennai Super Kings to consecutive
victories in the 2024 Indian Premier League, ensuring a smooth transition for
the franchise. Working closely with his predecessor Dhoni on the pitch and head
coach Stephen Fleming off it, Gaikwad has been ruthlessly implementing fielding
reforms. Batting coach for CSK, Michael Hussey, is happy with Gaikwad’s
management of the team thus far.
“I think he’s been fantastic,” Hussey said after CSK thumped Gujarat
Titans by 63 runs at Chepauk on Tuesday. “He’s very well prepared. Him,
Flem, MSD – they get together and they talk tactics before the game. But I
think the way Rutu changes the bowlers around… the fields are very good. He
seems very clear. The messaging to the bowlers is very clear as well.
“So I think
he’s taking to the job brilliantly at the moment; I know he’s got some good
support around him but he’s a very smart guy and a very cricket-savvy guy, you
know; he understands the game well. He’s got a good team to work with as well,
which helps as well, but I think he’s been fantastic so far.”
With a dazzling
cameo on Tuesday, Sameer Rizvi—who had seduced CSK into spending INR 8.4 crore
on him during the IPL 2024 auction—also attracted attention. He hit Rashid Khan
with the opening ball he faced in the IPL, and it went for a six over square leg.
Then, without hesitating the shot, he charged fearlessly at Rashid and cleared
the long-off fielder for another six. With a final score of 14 from six balls,
Rizvi was greeted with affection by both his teammates and the support
personnel.
“Well, he’s got
a lot of natural ability and natural hitting ability,” Hussey said.
“We’ve seen it at practice, you know, especially against the spinners. I
mean, he can hit a long way and he can hit the ball very cleanly.
“But it’s still a big ask for a young player to come in for his first IPL
game against arguably the best T20 bowler of all time in Rashid Khan and hit
the first ball that you face for six. I mean, that’s just crazy, isn’t it? So
we’re very excited for him.