IND vs SA, 4th T20I: Dale Steyn Compares This Indian Cricketer To KL Rahul
Former South African cricketer Dale Steyn has expressed that India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad plays like vice-captain KL Rahul. Stan feels Gaikwad has come a long way in the last two years. The Proteas cricketer explained that Gaikwad, who bats at the top of the order in the IPL, faces top-quality fast bowlers in the world who prove his class.
pic.twitter.com/N30oLKahrf – Ruturaj Gaikwad (@Ruutu1331) October 23, 2021
While Gaikwad didn’t have the best start in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa, the 25-year-old contributed with a half-century in the third game in Visakhapatnam, and teamed up with Ishan Kishan (54). Played a match winning innings which helped the hosts stay alive in the series.
The fourth match of the series will be played in Rajkot on Friday in which South Africa are leading 2-1.
Steyn told ESPN Cricinfo’s T20 Time Out show that Gaikwad has no problem with pace or spin and is a batsman who has the ability to read the game well.
“He has been looking really good in the last two years. He was the highest run-scorer for Chennai Super Kings a year ago (2021), and he is a quality player. When you are opening the batting in IPL “So you’re usually coming up against the best bowlers in the world, whether it’s (Kagiso) Rabada or Lockie Ferguson, you can throw all the names in the hat, and he’s up for it,” Steyn said.
Gaikwad was the highest run-scorer in IPL 2021 as CSK lifted the trophy, and his poor form in IPL 2022 contributed greatly to the Chennai franchise finishing ninth this season.
Steyn said Gaikwad’s 57 off 35 balls in Visakhapatnam was a brilliant innings of control.
“A bit of luck, but you make your own luck. He (Gaikwad) looked just amazing. He looked great, was in control. When it comes to pace and there is no problem with spin, And he really reads the game. Right. He bats in the same vein as KL Rahul bats. He can hit your good deliveries for fours too,” Steyn said.
