I Am Really Not Looking at the Orange Cap or Anything: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad in CSK Jersey (Source: BCCI/IPL)
Chennai Super Kings' opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has said that his sole focus this season is to score consistently for this team rather than worrying about the coveted 'Orange Cap'.
The stylish opener has got off to a brilliant start in IPL 2023, and is the current holder of the Orange Cap after having creamed back-to-back half-centuries in his first two outings.
Gaikwad warmed up to IPL 2023 with a magical and effortless 50-ball 92 in the season opener against the Gujarat Titans in front of 100,000+ fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
He backed it up with another 50+ score against the Lucknow SuperGiants on CSK's homecoming at the Chepauk on Monday evening, which helped the four-time champs put on a match-winning total.
Speaking to Moeen Ali following CSK's victory over LSG, Gaikwad said:
"To be honest, I am really not looking at the Orange Cap or anything. Just want to contribute for the team. We did not have a good season last year and obviously, giving good starts is the main priority for me and Dev (Devon Conway). It's been happening in the last two games, hopefully, we can continue doing well at the top."
Gaikwad has been the heartbeat of CSK's batting-unit in the past 3 seasons. The 26-year-old was one of the major reasons behind the Super Kings clinching their 4th title in 2021.
He scored 635 runs in 16 matches that year, and was duly awarded the Orange Cap. CSK and Gaikwad will hope that he continues his good run in the coming matches.
 "Yash Mittal")