CSK is all about getting players mentally ready; giving them space, reveals Ruturaj Gaikwad
After being bought before the 2019 edition of the IPL, Ruturaj Gaikwad has revealed that CSK as a franchise is all about getting players mentally ready and also giving them space while not stressing too much on the technicality part. He also admitted that his current stint with them has changed him.
Maharashtra’s T20 hero Ruturaj Gaikwad has had a tough start in the IPL thus far with CSK, with none appearances for the franchise. However, that has not had any impact on his learning curve - as the opener points out that it has changed him. The 23-year-old, who finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with 419 runs revealed that the franchise is all about getting players mentally ready.Â
He also goes on to say that Stephen Fleming and co do not stress too much on the technicalities of the game. However, given that this year’s IPL looks very far from being a reality, the youngster feels that it would be a setback to his career.Â
“If it doesn’t happen, it will be a setback. I was looking forward to the season and hoping to get a chance, play with big names… CSK is all about getting players mentally ready and giving them space. They don’t stress too much about technique; after a time you have to be mentally strong to perform consistently at the top level,” he told Hindustan Times.Â
The opener also added that his experience of being part of the dressing room has been incredible. A toast of veterans in the dressing room has certainly helped many youngsters in the past, including the new-recruit Sai Kishore. However, he also added that skipper MS Dhoni has helped him immensely during his time at the franchise.Â
“I used to ask Dhoni a lot of questions, and he would calmly listen and give suggestions. He helped a lot on staying calm on the field, ways to do it, and what one needs to think...Mentally, I have improved a lot. The experience of being in CSK last season was overwhelming. I’m a changed player,” he added.Â