Sweating on the fitness of players, Chennai Super Kings will breathe a sigh of relief. Ruturaj Gaikwad is fully fit and is raring to go. He has been the star attraction at CSK’s pre-IPL 2024 camp at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The attention will now shift to MS Dhoni as the CSK captain has arrived in Chennai to join the camp as well.
“He is fully fit. He has not shown any discomfort since joining the camp. He is batting really well,” a CSK official told InsideSport.
Fit & raring to go
Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered a finger injury in December during India vs South Africa series. As a result, despite being in the queue to get a Test debut in the IND vs ENG Test series, he missed out.
After a two-month injury break, Gaikwad returned to competitive cricket in February. But he played only one Ranji Trophy match for Maharashtra. Now, at CSK’s pre-IPL 2024 camp, Ruturaj Gaikwad will be polishing his skills.
However, despite playing just one competitive cricket match since December, he is fully fit and raring to go for IPL 2024. He has been batting well in CSK’s pre-IPL 2024 camp in Chennai.
Latest on IPL 2024
Key role at CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad will play a key role for Chennai Super Kings with Devon Conway all but out of IPL 2024. Conway had to undergo thumb surgery last week. He is unavailable till May first week. But it may extend depending on his recovery and rehabilitation. With the T20 World Cup approaching, New Zealand will be wary of his injury and may not risk sending him to IPL 2024.
Hence, Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to shoulder the opening responsibilities. With Conway, Gaikwad had a formidable partnership last season. Now, Gaikwad will have to start from scratch with a potential opening partner Rachin Ravindra. CSK bought Ravindra from auction for Rs 1.8 Cr.
A good season with CSK will only boost his chances as CSK are in search of their next captain. With Ravindra Jadeja already failing once, CSK may opt for a younger captain in Gaikwad instead.
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