On January 31, 2024, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) and Team India’s surgeon at the opening, celebrated his 27th birthday. Wishes flowed in from every corner of the cricket globe.
Sidelined with a finger injury picked up on the South African tour, Gaikwad plans to bounce back in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Team loyalty? It’s with CSK all the way.
The CSK acquisition of Ruturaj Gaikwad came without fanfare. Priced at a modest INR 10 lakh in the 2019 IPL auction, he now stands as a crucial player.
His stint with CSK was difficult. His beginning was rough; he couldn’t score in his first match and rarely in the 2020 season. However, he found his rhythm towards the end, even if CSK did not reach the playoffs.
Three editions later, with an Orange Cap and an international call-up in all forms, he returns to the IPL as one of the early favorites for leading run-scorer.
On that topic, let’s look at three reasons why Ruturaj Gaikwad is CSK’s most crucial player in IPL 2024.
1. Likely to be groomed for the captaincy role
While Gaikwad’s position at the head of the order is expected to remain unaltered, he will also be given more leadership and responsibility.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who acquired leadership experience by captaining India to gold at the 2023 Asian Games, might soon be named CSK captain.
Given how past attempts by CSK to change the leadership structure failed, MS Dhoni would be focused on nurturing the candidate first, in what is believed to be his last season as a cricketer.
2. Remains a mainstay at the top of the order
It’s clear that CSK benefits notably from Gaikwad’s strong performances at the start. Good results from him almost assuredly bring good news for the team. Notably, in the 2021 and 2023 seasons where he was one of the best in scoring, CSK owned the IPL crown. Yet, a challenging 2022 for the starting player corresponded to the team ending up ninth. This was a low point, their absolute worst in the contest’s history.
He will go into the following season as a much more mature batter. He is now an experienced campaigner and is expected to play a significant part for the squad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and the rest of the top order will once again be tasked with scoring the majority of the runs, while the middle order is anticipated to go all out.
3. Comes into the tournament after a prolific year
2023 was a notable year for Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made significant scoring strides in all game formats, including national games. His consideration for the 2024 T20 World Cup shows his impressive development. Notably, he scored his first T20I hundred the previous year against Australia in a post ODI World Cup home series.
His triumphs also extended to domestic games, especially the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. There, he racked up 244 runs in just five innings, achieving a strike rate of 174.28 and an impressive average of 61.00.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has increased his strike rate in recent years to fit the demands of modern-day playing styles, which makes him a greater danger. His playing style currently bodes well for CSK, who used an aggressive approach on their way to a sixth victory in 2023.
His efforts at the top of the order, as well as the synergy he has with Devon Conway as an opening pair, will all be important if CSK wants to win the IPL again.
