Ruturaj Gaikwad of the Chennai Super Kings has remarked that he and Devon Conway have a strong understanding of game scenarios and are happy to trade positions depending on who is in better form on the day. Gaikwad also stated that he trusts Conway, same like his old opening partner Faf du Plessis did.
Gaikwad and Conway have been outstanding for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023. On Tuesday, May 23, they added another critical 87 runs in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. From the outset of the event, both hitters have beautifully complimented one other.
Ruturaj Gaikwad commented on his relationship with Devon Conway at a post-match press conference.
“I think in 2021, if you look, Faf had many 30s, 40s or 50s and he would just get out after 50s, and I mostly managed to score 70s, 80s and 100. So I think when someone is attacking from the other end, you just have to make sure you stay till the 15th over.”
“This year I just felt that with the impact player rule, I had a good practice session about that mentality [playing shots early on and taking risks] as well for good 15-20 days. So I think when I thought I was going really well, I knew that Conway would stay till the 15th over or just carry the innings till the 20th over. So I think I had the confidence in him, just like Faf had in me in 2021.”
On Tuesday, Gaikwad scored 60 runs in 44 balls, while Conway provided 40 runs in 34 balls. CSK scored 172/7 and then bowled out GT for 157 to get to the IPL final for the tenth time.
Ruturaj Gaikwad on Devon Conway impact
Conway‘s regular hitting results have had a great affect on his game, according to the Gaikwad, who has been able to bat with a free attitude.
“I think this year, thankfully and touchwood, Conway has been batting really well. He has been carrying the innings till 15th over, so for me it has been really easy to have that free mindset, keep up the intent knowing that if I get out a right-hander would be coming in (Ajinkya Rahane) and the right-hand-left-hand combination will carry on. So I think you sort of have trust in your partner and that is what happened this year.”
“It was my day as I was getting boundaries somehow and I thought I’ll keep going and you [Conway] keep taking singles or doubles and we’ll make sure that you stay at least till the 10th, 12th or 14th over and that’s exactly what happened.”
Conway has scored 625 runs in the IPL 2023, while Gaikwad has contributed 564. In the current edition, Shivam Dube (386) is ranked third among Chennai’s best batters.