Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad said that he doesn’t want to face the CSK young bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana in the nets as he finds it difficult to pick his line and length. The 20-year-old has been the standout performer for the four-time champions in the league stage.
The Srilankan pacer was awarded the Player of the Match award for his brilliant performance against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians picking up three wickets in the death over to reduce the run-flow at the end of overs of the Mumbai Indians innings.
Speaking to the media after the comfortable win against Mumbai Indians, Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed that he faced only 10-12 balls of Pathirana in the nets and said that it was very difficult to pick the ball from his low release point and added it was good to have him in the side.
“I only faced like 10-12 balls of him in the nets and I was like, I don’t want to face him. It is tough to pick and tough to judge the length of the ball. First thing, you’re finding where the ball is, or where it is coming from. The second thing is judging the length, judging the lines. You’re always slightly late while facing him and, thankfully, he is in our team,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said.
Matheesha Pathirana has been the trusted overseas pacer for the MS Dhoni-led side in the edition of the Indian Premier League. He has produced some sensational performances for the four-time champions in the league stage bowling tough death overs for them.
The youngster is having a good season with the ball for Chennai Super Kings picking up ten wickets in seven games at economy at 7.60 bowling the tough end overs for his side.
Today’s Game Was A Complete Performance – Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad was elated by the win against the Mumbai Indians and feels that everyone in the team has contributed to the team’s success and also lauded his bowlers for picking up early wickets in the powerplay to help their side secure a thumping win against Mumbai Indians.
“It was a complete team performance. I don’t think there were areas to improve as each one contributed. Even in the bowling unit and the fielding unit, we were 100 percent. Overall, the fielding was good. In bowling, right from the first ball, we were up to the mark and even batting also we were up there. Today’s game was a complete performance,” Ruturaj Gaikwad added.
The four-time champions registered their 6th victory in the league stage to move second in the points table. MS Dhoni’s side will take on Delhi Capitals in the next home game on May 10 and will look to seal their spot in the playoffs.