‘Very Much in the Mould of CSK’: Fleming Believes Gaikwad Has Taken Captaincy in Stride and Could Carry Torch With Aplomb

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) play host to the visiting Punjab Kings on the 1st of May at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

CSK posted a crucial 78-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at The Den a couple of days ago to return to winning ways and catapult into the playoff spots, while PBKS comes into the game on the back of a record chase Kolkata Knight Riders.

New Chennai skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has taken to his new role like a swan to water and has also managed to maintain his incredible batting standards opening the innings for his side. The 27-year-old has notched up two fifties and a ton in his three previous outings at Chepauk and will look to continue his lofty performances as Punjab comes calling.

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CSK head coach Stephen Fleming opined that Gaikwad has managed to continue the good vein of batting form he has demonstrated over the past couple of years and settled well into the hottest seat in franchise cricket.

“His batting has continued from what it was. He has been spectacular the last few years. And as for captaincy, he has taken it up in his stride as he has also led his domestic team,” the Kiwi began.t

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Fleming also iterated that Gaikwad operates along the established mould that Chennai have mastered to gain immense success. He went on to add that Gaikwad has doubled down on the opportunity, which seems to be paying early dividends.

“He is very much in the mould of CSK. Very understated, lowkey and incredibly calm,” the head coach added.

“So, there is no particular change there, he has rather doubled down on it and he has been handling it very well,” he asserted.

The former New Zealand opener touched upon the elite company he has been blessed with, including the likes of serial winner MS Dhoni and expressed Gaikwad looks to be growing in confidence in his new role at the helm.

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“He has got MS still around, but he is quickly becoming more confident with the role and his batting looks in very good shape,” the southpaw concluded.

Punjab’s games against Chennai have historically been a rather tricky affair with the fixture producing some incredible classics including a super over and ‘that night at Dharamshala’.

PBKS bowling coach Charl Langeveldt shed light on the challenges of playing Chennai on the road but hoped to replicate their show at the MAC in the previous edition of the event, in which the visitors won by 4 wickets.

“It is always a tricky wicket,” the former South African pacer began.

“It looks like we’d be playing on a fresh wicket which would offer some extra bounce for the bowlers,” the Punjab bowling coach added.

“Last year we did well here, and the previous couple of years we have done well. But it is always hard to play against Chennai at their home venue,” the 49-year-old reiterated.