IPL 2024: “He’s almost one step ahead of the bowlers": Michael Hussey on Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad during his 98 on Sunday. Pic/PTI

The ability to remain one step ahead of the bowlers has allowed Ruturaj Gaikwad to flourish in this season, reckons Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey. After an unbeaten 108 in the previous game, CSK skipper Gaikwad was on the cusp of another century on Sunday, but fell two runs short of the milestone against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

‘A brilliant timer of the ball'

"Gaikwad is such a wonderful player. He is a brilliant timer of the cricket ball. I've been asking him what his secret is in terms of his placement since he always finds the gaps," said Hussey after the win over Sunrisers. "He is a smart batsman as well. He knows when to attack and when to soak up pressure. He plays spin and seam well. He can score all around the ground.

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Michael Hussey

"He's almost one step ahead of the bowlers a lot of times. He is wonderful to watch. Very thankful that he is in our team." The 27-year-old was announced as the new skipper of the defending champions a day before the IPL opener, replacing the legendary MS Dhoni.

Challenging role

Talking about how Gaikwad has adjusted to the leadership responsibility, Hussey admitted that it has been challenging to succeed the ‘GOAT'. "It has been challenging for him as well. He has taken over as captain to which you have to take your hat off to him. He is succeeding the greatest of all time in this country," he said.

Strike rate is more important than batting averages in the T20 format, but at CSK, that aspect of the game is not discussed much. "We don't talk about it [strike-rate] much at all. We talk about each player since they need to assess the conditions out in the middle as quickly as they can. The batter needs to take up the responsibility and the ownership in the middle," he continued.

‘Deshpande gave us momentum in Powerplay'

Tushar Deshpande's breathtaking bowling display in Powerplay made the difference for CSK in their 78-run win over SRH and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged that the pacer brought the momentum back in the side. Deshpande claimed 4-27 off three overs. Three of those wickets came in Powerplay.

"One area where we lost momentum in a few games was not getting wickets in the Powerplay. It is the only way we can put the opposition on the back foot. Deshpande bowled really well. His hard work is paying off," said Gaikwad.

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