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MS Dhoni Reveals One of the Most Talented Players Going Around

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni on Thursday applauded Ruturaj Gaikwad, citing that the young opener is "one of the most talented players going around". Gaikwad smashed his second fifty to help his side register a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

"(The changes) are a conscious effort. We want to give games to people who haven't played and we need them to grab those opportunities. Ruturaj we'd seen him in the nets, but then he got Covid positive and took 20 days. Unfortunate but he'll remember this season," said Dhoni at the post-match presentation.

"He's one of the most talented players going around. What makes it difficult is he's not somebody who speaks a lot! So sometimes it becomes difficult for the management to gauge a player," he further added.

Notably, Gaikwad was one of the two players who had tested COVID-19 positive after reaching Dubai. He also played in three matches but failed to improve (0, 5, 0) and was eventually dropped as well. However, his second innings looked quite promising as he helped his side win with his smashing knocks twice as well.

"Once he started going in the innings, you could see that he was hitting the ball the way he wants to and he was planning. When we made him play the first game, he got out, stepped out. It becomes difficult to tell whether it was the pressure that made him step out or whether that's his natural game. One ball isn't enough," Dhoni said.

Dhoni also praised Ravindra Jadeja for his match-winning cameo at the end after Gaikwad’s knock, which also included two sixes in the final over the game that sealed the deal. The skipper said that Jadeja has been fantastic this season.

"He's been the only batsman in our team who has taken the job of scoring in the last few overs. Not just using his power but through point if the field is up. I feel throughout the season we needed someone by his side," Dhoni concluded.

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