Chennai Super Kings’ opener and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad reached a significant milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. Gaikwad, at 27 years old, became only the fourth player from his franchise to surpass the 2,000-run mark in the IPL. His accomplishment came during a remarkable innings where he showcased his skill and form, scoring 69 runs off just 40 balls.
Gaikwad’s innings was a testament to his talent, with five boundaries and five towering sixes decorating his scorecard, ultimately achieving a strike rate of 172.50. In his IPL career spanning 58 matches, Gaikwad has aggregated 2,021 runs at an impressive average of 39.62 and a formidable strike rate of 134.91. This remarkable feat places him as the fourth highest run-getter for CSK in the IPL, trailing behind stalwarts like Faf Du Plessis, MS Dhoni, and Suresh Raina.
What’s particularly noteworthy is Gaikwad’s rapid ascent to this milestone, accomplishing it in just 57 innings, making him the fastest Indian player to achieve this feat and the third fastest overall, following the likes of Chris Gayle and Shaun Marsh.
Gaikwad’s standout season with CSK was undoubtedly the 2021 edition of the IPL, where he emerged as a batting force to reckon with. Scoring a remarkable 635 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26, Gaikwad not only clinched the ‘Orange Cap’ for the highest run-scorer but also played a pivotal role in guiding CSK to their fifth IPL title.
In the ongoing season, Gaikwad has continued to impress, amassing 224 runs in six matches at an average of 44.80, with two half-centuries under his belt. His contribution to CSK’s batting lineup has been invaluable, propelling the team to formidable totals.
In the recent encounter against Mumbai Indians, after being put to bat first, CSK posted a commanding total of 206/4, courtesy of Gaikwad’s stellar partnership with Shivam Dube, followed by a blistering cameo from MS Dhoni during the final over. Despite facing some formidable bowling from MI, Gaikwad’s innings laid a strong foundation for CSK’s victory.