IPL 2023: Ruturaj Gaikwad – Ahead of Chennai Super Kings’ first game against Gujrat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Aakash Chopra wants Ruturaj Giakwad to show more intent. The young CSK opener takes time to build the innings and then takes on the opponents. However, Chopra believes with Ben Stokes likely to bat at number three for CSK, Gaikwad should attack from word go. The England captain also likes to get his eye in before playing his shots, and Chopra opines there are no place for two batters with a similar approach in the top order. Follow IPL 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
“It is possible that Ruturaj Gaikwad hits the ground up and running. Right now, he starts slowly and picks pace as he builds the innings. But the days of diesel engines are over, we have EVs now. Ruturaj has to become an electric vehicle,” Chopra said.
IPL 2023: Why Chopra wants Gaikwad to show more aggression at the top
- CSK bat very deep, with strong all-rounders among the mix like Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Stokes.
- Gaikwad’s current IPL strike rate is 130, as he takes time to play his shots.
- The right-hand batter’s opening partner Devon Conway also is not an attacking player by instinct.
- With Stokes likely to play at number three, Chopra opines Gaikwad can be proactive a bit and start playing shots.
- Last season, the young CSK opener failed to get going in IPL as he scored only 368 runs at a strike rate of 126.
“As we saw in the World Cup as well, Stokes likes to take his time in the middle. He plays better at no.3 as well, and in the IPL, his only century came when he batted up in the order. So, it’s hard to understand what’s happening there. Robin (Uthappa) isn’t there anymore, so were they searching for his replacement?” Chopra said.
CSK kick off the IPL 2023 campaign by playing against Gujarat Titans on Friday (March 31). The match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The tickets for the same have been sold out.
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