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'Learning From CSK & Mahi Bhai..'- Ruturaj Gaikwad Attributes T20I Success To MS Dhoni

image-lpnkj32aRuturaj Gaikwad in action [AP]

Ruturaj Gaikwad attributed his success for India in T20Is during the ongoing series against Australia to his longstanding association with five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their legendary skipper MS Dhoni. 

The Maharashtra right-hander, one of the shining lights in CSK's set-up since his maiden IPL season in 2020, has transformed into one of India's successful opening batters in the shortest format. With a memorable maiden century in the third T20I in Guwahati, Gaikwad now has a tally of 490 runs made at a strike rate of 142.02 after 16 innings. 

Starting off as a bright young talent with specific chinks in his armoury, especially against pace, Gaikwad has elevated his range, tightened his technique to a significant degree and has been earmarked as an all-format player for India, something evident through his selection for Tests, ODIs and T20Is on the upcoming trip to South Africa. 

Gaikwad Grateful To CSK And Dhoni's Support 

A prolific scorer domestically, the 26-year-old believes his rise wouldn't have been possible without the sustained backing and opportunities provided to him by CSK and Dhoni in the IPL, where he now boasts of 1,797 runs in 52 matches at a strike rate of 135.52. 

Speaking to 'JioCinema' following India's victory by 20 runs in the penultimate T20I in Raipur, which gave the hosts an unassailable 3-1 series lead on Friday (December 1), Gaikwad expressed a sense of gratitude towards Dhoni's team and the guidance and their invaluable support over the years. 

"The learning from CSK & Mahi Bhai has helped, especially play with the situation and look to take the game - I am trying to continue what I have learned from them," he said when asked to underline how much of an influence CSK and Dhoni have made in his journey into becoming  a robust player. 

Gaikwad is also seen as a captaincy material within the senior international and IPL set-up. He was appointed captain of the gold medal-winning alternate Indian squad that travelled to China for the Asian Games T20I and was recently touted by CSK veteran Ambati Rayudu as the potential Dhoni successor in the years to follow.