Ruturaj Gaikwad joins MS Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu in Chennai; fans shower love to youngster

The Chennai Super Kings has emerged as one of the most celebrated franchises in the Indian Premier League. The MS Dhoni-led side have been consistent with their performance in the competition. They surprisingly had a dismal run last year, where they failed to finish in the top four after the group stage. They will be looking to make a thumping comeback this season, and they will commence their training from next week itself. And talented youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad has joined the team ahead of their training camp in Chennai. 

IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad joins teammates in Chennai 

The CSK players are scheduled to begin training on March 9, and a number of players including the captain MS Dhoni have already started arriving in Chennai. Ruturaj Gaikwad joined MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu on Thursday. The batsman recently impressed with sensational batting performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Maharashtra captain smashed a stunning century against Himachal Pradesh and will be keen to carry his form in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league. 

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Gaikwad did not have an ideal start in last year's IPL. He failed to make an impact in his initial matches, and uncertainty loomed over his future in the CSK side. However, the 24-year-old silenced his critics by becoming the first uncapped player to score three successive half-centuries in the competition.

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The batsman is expected to play a major role in IPL 2021 for the three-time champions and is likely to retain his place as an opener. Gaikwad took to his Twitter account to share a picture of himself as he reached Chennai. The player received immense appreciation and love from the fans of the franchise. Apart from Ruturaj Gaikwad, the other players who landed in Chennai on Thursday are C Hari Nishaanth, Narayan Jagadeesan and R Sai Kishore. 

CSK team for IPL 2021

CSK players retained

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, N. Jagadeesan, Robin Uthappa, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo, Karn Sharma, R. Sai Kishore, Mitchell Santner, Imran Tahir, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi, Josh Hazlewood, KM Asif.

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CSK players bought at IPL 2021 auction

Moeen Ali (₹7 crore), K Gowtham (₹9.25 crore), Cheteshwar Pujara (₹50 lakh), M Harisankar Reddy (₹20 lakh), K. Bhagath Varma (₹20 lakh), C Hari Nishanth (₹20 lakh).

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Image source: Chennai Super Kings Instagram