Focused on helping CSK reclaim the IPL - Ruturaj Gaikwad upbeat ahead of tournament resumption

Ruturaj Gaikwad who recently made his international debut during the tour of Sri Lanka will cherish the moment forever. Gaikwad said that he lived every moment of that tour and being a part of the Indian dressing room. It was a dream come true moment for the right hander who played the last two matches on that particular tour.

Gaikwad didn’t get his opportunity in the ODI series but a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp meant that seven of the first choice players went into isolation after Krunal Pandya tested positive for the virus. It meant that almost all players at India's disposal, including the reserve squad had to make their debut and that is how Gaikwad’s name came up in the team sheet during the course of the final two T20Is.

While he couldn’t quite make an impact making scores of 21 and 14 but during his brief stay he presented glimpses of what he is capable. Gaikwad who is now a regular in India A squad said that nothing can match being a part of the Indian dressing room.

"I will forever remember it. It ended in two days and we did not win (referring to playing on consecutive days), I lived every moment of it. A dream come true. It struck me that I want to go out there, again and again, keep performing for the team,” Gaikwad was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Rahul Dravid who was appointed as the head coach for that particular tour had earlier worked with Gaikwad in India A which made things relatively easier for the opening batsman. Gaikwad revealed that all Dravid wanted from the young guns in the team was to think and adapt to conditions. He also hailed Dravid for the calming influence he brings to any side.

"I've spent a couple of years with Rahul (Dravid) sir during my India 'A' days and his theory has always been the same: Think and adapt. Even when we were left with five batters, he assured us that we were all there on merit and asked us to make the most of the opportunity," Gaikwad said.

Gaikwad who plies his trade for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL is upbeat to help his side win the title after three years.

"It has been three years since we won the IPL title and I am focused on helping CSK reclaim it. The team has shown faith in my abilities and I must give my 110% to contribute towards the team's success,” Gaikwad said.

Gaikwad had become a household name with three back to back half-centuries in the final three games of the 2020 IPL. From the 2021 edition, he has established himself in the opening slot and will look to continue the good work once the tournament resumes in UAE on 19th September.

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How did Mohammed Siraj overcome tragedy to make history for India, new book reveals details

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Rumours of Danushka Gunathilaka & Kusal Mendis joining USA cricket baseless, clarifies manager

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New Zealand tour of Pakistan under threat with Taliban takeover of Afghanistan

The Taliban take over of Afghanistan seems to have an effect on neighbouring Pakistan, especially with foreign nationals visiting that country. In this regard, the New Zealand cricket team’s tour of Pakistan, a first in 18 years, looks under threat as New Zealand Cricket Players Association has expressed its reservations on several issues. “We’re very comfortable with the process we’ve got, but notwithstanding that, with events in Afghanistan in the last few days, it’s very sad what’s happening in that country and people are obviously asking questions of our security check processes,” NZPCA President Heath Mills was quoted as saying to Stuff, a New Zealand national news website. “That includes players, which is completely understandable. We just need to assure them of the process, and follow it, and reach a determination,” Mills added. According to the report, New Zealand Cricket’s independent security consultant Reg Dickason has taken it upon himself to visit Pakistan and make an independent analysis before the team invokes on the tour. “That will take him [Dickason] four or five days and then he’ll report back, and recommend whether the tour goes ahead, or it doesn’t for whatever reason... if there are changes to whatever the plan might be,” Mills said about the arrangements. New Zealand, who would be touring Subcontinent before and after the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman, are scheduled to play three ODIs at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi and five T20Is at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore in September, after their Bangladesh tour.

Joe Root climbs to second spot in Latest ICC Test rankings, Kohli and Rohit hold onto their spots

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