Stephen Fleming: Ruturaj is establishing himself as an opener

CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad during his 44-ball 75 against SRH on Wednesday. Pic/PTI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has lavished praise on opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad for his refreshing training methods. Gaikwad top-scored with 75 off just 44 balls (12x4) as CSK beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven wickets in Delhi on Wednesday.

This is only Gaikwad's second IPL season, but he has already scored 192 runs in six games. In his inaugural IPL season last year, Gaikwad, 24, had scored 204 runs in six matches.

Stephen Fleming. Pic/AFP

"He [Gaikwad] is really self-sufficient and low-key. We've got some players, who can bat for a long time. He's really efficient with what he does. He's got a strong purpose about what he needs to do and is simple in his game plan. The batting is anything but simplistic, but his method and the way he trains is really refreshing. He just backs his ability," Fleming said at the post-match virtual press conference on Wednesday night in response to mid-day's query on the opening batsman.

After CSK's initial defeat to Delhi Capitals in their opening game on April 10 in Mumbai, this was their fifth successive win in IPL-14.

"He had a bit of a setback last year when he got COVID so that led to some delay in introducing him at the right spot. But now, he's there and is establishing himself [as an opener]. He's a fine talent. We are really excited about having him and what he's doing for us," added Fleming.

Batting first, SRH skipper David Warner, scored a 55-ball 57 runs (3x4, 2x6) and Manish Pandey made 61 off 46 as SRH posted 171-3 in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, a 129-run opening stand between Gaikwad and Faf Du Plessis (38-ball 56, 6x4, 1x6) saw CSK cruise to victory with nine balls to spare.