The confidence MS Dhoni showed has helped me: Ruturaj Gaikwad

India’s young batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad has stated that the confidence which his Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has shown in him has really helped him grow in confidence and stature.

Dhoni is known to get the best out of the young players and he has always helped the young guns in taking giant strides in their career.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad wasn’t in the best of forms in the nascent stages of IPL 2021 but MS Dhoni decided to back him despite poor form. Gaikwad was able to stand tall to the challenge and delivered the goods in the later matches.

The right-hander scored 196 runs in seven innings at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 128.94. Dhoni later revealed that Gaikwad’s body language didn’t drop and thus he decided to back him after a dry run in the initial stages.

Gaikwad said while talking to Anand Bazaar Patrika, “Mahi Bhai always helped me. I was not getting a run at the beginning of this time in the IPL. I still did not lose confidence and regularly opened. The confidence that Mahi Bhai has placed in me has helped me.”

Gaikwad also revealed MS Dhoni’s advice when he was going through a lean patch. Dhoni advised the youngster to not be bothered with the image of opposition’s bowler and just play the ball which has been delivered to him. Gaikwad admitted that the advice helped him a lot.

“Mahi Bhai always used to say not to play without seeing the name of the opponent. Success is achieved by batting according to the quality of the ball. Opponents will try to warm their heads in many ways. Mahi Bhai advised not to fall into that trap. The advice he gave during his visit to Sri Lanka will help a lot,” Ruturaj Gaikwad signed off.

Meanwhile, after an impressive performance in the IPL and the domestic circuit, Gaikwad received his maiden call-up for the tour of Sri Lanka. Thus, it will be interesting to note if he gets his chances in the limited-overs series.

The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on 13th July.