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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not only a platform for showcasing the best cricketing talent in the world, but also a place where young players can learn from the legends of the game. Two such players who have benefited from the IPL are Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have shared their experience of interacting with former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni in the latest snippet from BCCI’s podcast.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is a 21-year-old batsman from Mumbai, who plays for RR, made his IPL debut in 2020, and has since played many explosive knocks. The stylish left-hander scored his maiden IPL fifty against MS Dhoni’s CSK in 2021 and since then has been in prolific form. The opener expressed his feeling when he first met the legend and mentioned that he got goosebumps when he first met him.
Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal to open with Rohit Sharma; Shubman Gill to bat at Number 3
Jaiswal said, “For me, when I met sir (MS Dhoni) for the first time, I don’t have a lot of words to say, I mean when you meet someone you have grown up watching, you automatically show them respect. You get goosebumps. It's just a blessing to see him.”
The 24-year-old Ruturaj Gaikwad made his IPL debut for CSK in 2019 and has since impressed everyone with his elegant strokeplay and consistency. The opener has led the CSK batting lineup for three seasons and won two IPL titles also winning the orange cap in the 2021 season. The opener highlighted Dhoni’s importance in his career so far and mentioned that he is very lucky to play with him and be around him for the duration of the IPL.
Gaikwad said, “I feel I am very lucky and fortunate to be able to spend time with him. I always see players who go and talk to him after matches so then I think I am very lucky that I can talk to him every day for those two or three months and anytime throughout the year when I need something, he is available,” The Pune-based batsman continued, “He has been a major factor in my career and upbringing, as to how to stay grounded and managing the ups and downs in my game.”
Watch the video here:
Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to make his debut in first Test against West Indies
After an amazing 2023 IPL and domestic season, Jaiswal is likely to be included in all three formats for India from here on. Both Gaikwad and Jaiswal are currently a part of India's Test and ODI squad for the tour of the West Indies while Jaiswal will also play the T20Is. The full podcast involving youngsters is expected to be released soon on BCCI Tv which will explore the cricketing journeys of both the talented openers.
