Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Mike Hussey is happy with how the captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has regained his form. Gaikwad fell short of his second century of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by just two runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While Hussey praised Gaikwad, he was asked about whether strike rate is much discussed or not in the dressing room.
"We don't talk about it (S/R) much at all. We talk about each player since they need to assess the conditions out in the middle as quickly as they can. The batter needs to take up the responsibility and the ownership in the middle," he said press conference after CSK's 78-run win over SRH.
Hussey wants to give players space and play the ball on its merit and according to playing conditions.
"Sometimes, as coaches, we put too much into the players' heads. I am trying to take as much out of their heads as possible, let them be as clear as they possibly can, see the ball and react accordingly.
"The strike rate keeps changing, depending on the way you play and the conditions."
Hussey is amazed at the CSK opener’s ability to pierce the fielders and targeting spin and pacers alike.
"Gaikwad is such a wonderful player. He is a brilliant timer of the cricket ball. I've been asking him what his secret is in terms of his placement since he always finds the gaps," said.
"He is a smart batsman as well. He knows when to attack and when to soak up pressure. He plays spin and seam well. He can score all around the ground.
"He's almost one step ahead of the bowlers a lot of times. He is wonderful to watch. Very thankful that he is in our team."
The former Australian batter also lauded Gaikwad for filling in the big shoes of legendary MS Dhoni as captain.
"It has been challenging for him as well. He has taken over as captain to which you have to take your hat off to him. He is succeeding the greatest of all time in this country," the 48-year-old added.
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