IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad is a fine player, CSK will continue to back him - Coach Stephen Fleming

IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad, who impressed in Chennai Super Kings colours in the UAE, has been struggling for rhythm in the new season. The 24-year-old opener was dismissed for a 16-ball 5 in CSK’s 6-wicket win over Punjab Kings on Friday.

Gaikwad proved his worth when the team was going through a tough period in the UAE, showcasing his class with stroke-filled knocks in IPL 2020. He was eventually retained by CSK in the lead up to the auction in February. However, the 24-year-old batsman from Maharashtra headed into the new IPL season without a lot of runs under his belt. Gaikwad scored a hundred in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but his form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was far from impressive -- 94 runs in 5 matches. After getting out for an 8-ball 5 in CSK’s IPL 2021 opening match against Delhi Capitals, Gaikwad struggled to put bat to ball on a difficult batting pitch in Mumbai on Friday in their 6-wicket win over Punjab Kings. Gaikwad had no rhythm to his innings and eventually got out for 5 from 16 balls.