Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has bestowed the title of the most valuable player on Ruturaj Gaikwad, the rising star of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) family. Chopra hailed Gaikwad for his exceptional performance in the team’s commanding 77-run triumph over the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2023.
Gaikwad, as the opener for CSK, showcased his mettle by smashing 79 runs off just 50 balls, enabling his team to set an imposing total of 223 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The right-handed batsman formed a remarkable 141-run partnership with his opening partner, Devon Conway. The Chennai Super Kings bowlers then displayed their prowess, limiting the Delhi Capitals to a mere 146 runs in their 20 overs.
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In a YouTube video shared on his channel, Aakash Chopra showered praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad, acknowledging his exceptional batting performance that took the match to another level. Chopra highlighted Gaikwad’s ability to change the momentum with a series of sixes against the likes of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
“The crown prince of the Super Kings family, Ruturaj Gaikwad, is the most valuable player. Devon Conway was equally impressive, and you can give it to both of them. But when Ruturaj was at the crease, he operated in a different league,” Chopra expressed.
He went on to mention a crucial phase of the match between the sixth and ninth over where things seemed to be slowing down. However, Gaikwad quickly turned the tide with a six, followed by a flurry of sixes. Chopra emphasized that Gaikwad’s performance stood out even on a challenging batting surface, defying the notion that the pitch was flat.
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Furthermore, Aakash Chopra lauded the CSK batsmen for posting a monumental score on what he described as a tricky surface. He also commended the efforts of David Warner, who fought valiantly for the Delhi Capitals. However, Chopra noted that their target was insurmountable, given the number of overseas players in the team and the nature of the pitch.
With their final league stage match, the Chennai Super Kings secured the second spot on the 10 team points table. Led by the legendary MS Dhoni, the team will now face the defending champions Gujarat Titans in the much-anticipated “Qualifier 1” at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, on Tuesday, May 23.