IPL 2021: CSK head coach Stephen Fleming backs Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled to put bat to ball in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 3 innings that he has played in the 14th IPL season thus far, Gaikwad’s scores read 5, 5, and 10. He averages just 6.67 in the 14th edition of the IPL.

But then, the Head Coach of the CSK side, Stephen Fleming has opined that Gaikwad has earned his place in the side for some time because of the way he played in the 13th IPL edition that was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the 2020 IPL edition, Gaikwad was in scintillating form with the willow. The right-hander scored 204 runs in the 6 innings that he played, and scored his runs at an average of 51.00.

Fleming also stated that the CSK side will continue to back a youngster like Gaikwad. He further revealed that the CSK management would like to give players a good number of chances.

“Ya, Robin Uthappa is waiting. But Ruturaj Gaikwad earned a bit of time with the way he played last season. You know our philosophy. We give players a good amount of chances in what they are trying to do. We will continue to back him. Then see and make a decision soon. At the moment, we are backing a good young player,” opined Stephen Fleming in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Chennai Super Kings post a thumping victory over Rajasthan Royals

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lorded over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) side in the 12th match of the 2021 edition of the IPL. After amassing a total of 188/9 on the board, the CSK bowlers did an excellent job on a good batting surface to restrict the opposition to a total of just 143/9.

CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali was awarded the Player of the Match award for his vital contributions with both bat and ball. While Ali scored a handy 26 off 20 deliveries with the willow in hand, he also scalped 3 wickets with the ball as well, including the crucial scalps of David Miller and Chris Morris.