Ruturaj Gaikwad Joins Elite Club with 2,000 IPL Runs for CSK

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming only the fourth player from his franchise to amass 2,000 runs. The 27-year-old achieved this milestone in a scintillating knock against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Gaikwad, known for his elegant strokeplay, played one of his most fluent innings of the season, scoring 69 runs off just 40 deliveries. His knock was adorned with five boundaries and five towering sixes, showcasing his power and timing. His runs came at a blistering strike rate of 172.50.

In his 58 IPL matches, Gaikwad has accumulated 2,021 runs at an impressive average of 39.62 and a strike rate of 134.91. He has registered a century and 16 fifties in 57 innings, with his highest score being an unbeaten 101. Among CSK players, he ranks fourth in terms of runs scored, behind Faf Du Plessis, MS Dhoni, and Suresh Raina.

Gaikwad's achievement is even more remarkable considering he is the fastest Indian to reach the 2,000-run mark in the IPL, doing so in just 57 innings. Overall, he is the third fastest behind Chris Gayle (48 innings) and Shaun Marsh (52 innings).

The 2021 season was Gaikwad's most prolific with CSK, where he amassed 635 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26. His tally included a century and four fifties, earning him the 'Orange Cap' for most runs and helping CSK clinch their fifth IPL title.

This season, Gaikwad has continued to impress, scoring 224 runs in six matches at an average of 44.80 and a strike rate of 130.09. He has registered two half-centuries, with his best score being 69, making him the seventh-highest run-getter in the ongoing tournament.

In the match against MI, CSK won the toss and elected to bat first. After early dismissals of Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra, Gaikwad and Shivam Dube forged a crucial 90-run partnership. Gaikwad's innings laid the foundation for CSK's eventual total of 206/4 in 20 overs.

Hardik Pandya was the most successful bowler for MI, claiming two wickets for 43 runs. Shreyas Gopal and Gerald Coetzee also picked up a wicket each.

Tags: #RuturajGaikwad, #CSK, #IPL, #2000Runs, #OrangeCap