Gaikwad willing to bat 20 overs gives me confidence: Dhoni

TIL Desk Sports/ Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said that what gives him immense confidence in the abilities of young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is that fact that he is “willing to bat 20 overs”.

On Sunday the 24-year-old Gaikwad (70 off 50 balls) and Robin Uthappa (63 off 44 balls) played important knocks before Dhoni (18 not out off six balls) helped CSK book a spot in the IPL final for the ninth time, defeating Delhi Capitals by four wickets with two balls remaining in Qualifier 1.

Gaikwad, who is second on the ‘Orange Cap’ list with 603 runs, smashed five boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of 140. “Whenever I have a chat with Ruturaj, it’s very plain and simple chat as to what is going on, what are you thinking.

It’s very important to understand how well he has improved over the period. Also his game plan, he is someone who is willing to bat 20 overs,” said Dhoni.