Mumbai, March 24: As defending and four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening match of the IPL on March 26, all eyes will be on some of the home-grown players who have impressed everyone with their performances and maturity. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Thursday opined Ravindra Jadeja is ready to take over the mantle from MS Dhoni, if the team management decides to give the senior statesman a break during the event. The 15th edition of the IPL will be played at four venues in Maharashtra – Wankhede, Barbourne, DY Patil and MCA Stadium in Pune.
“The way Ravindra Jadeja has matured as a player over the last few years, the way he is making the adjustment as far as his game is concerned and the way he reads match situations has been absolutely fantastic,” Gavaskar said in a Gameplan episode aired on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the IPL.
“If in the odd game MS Dhoni decides to take a break, I won’t be surprised if the mantle of captaincy will be handed over to Jadeja.” Talking about Ruturaj Gaikwad, the leading run scorer in the last edition, Gavaskar said, “Ruturaj Gaikwad is another player who has very little areas to improve. There is nothing really required as far as Gaikwad’s improvement is concerned. He has got all the shots in the book, but the most impressive aspect is his shot selection.
“Whatever shot he plays, he doesn’t get cowed down. He is not afraid to play the lofted shot when required and his shot selection has been very good in the IPL. So, there is very little that Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to do. All he needs to do is keep on scoring runs similar to last season.” UNI
