Legendary Pakistani pacesetter Wasim Akram has heaped praise on Chennai Super Kings opening batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying he has a bright future ahead of him. CSK defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to win the IPL 2023 title at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying the 26-year-old has a bright future. Gaikwad capped another successful season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a total of 590 runs under his belt.

In the IPL 2023 final against the Gujarat Titans, Gaikwad hit a quick 26 to give his side a flying start to the great chase. With his consistent performances both in the IPL and domestically, Akram believes Gaikwad represents a great future prospect for the Indian team.

Akram said Gaikwad had performed brilliantly under pressure while stressing he has a bright future ahead of him. Gaikwad hit 590 runs in 16 games for an average of 42.14 in the 2023 IPL.

Gaikwad has a bright future: Akram

“He did an excellent job under pressure. The plus point about him is that he is physically very fit. He is a very good outfield player and also young. Gaikwad has a bright future when it comes to Indian cricket franchises he plays for,” said Wasim Akram.

Gaikwad accumulated 590 runs for CSK in the recently concluded IPL season, averaging 42.14. During the competition, he scored four half-centuries, helping his team win several games. Gaikwad has recorded 1,797 runs in 52 games for CSK, proving his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. Ruturaj has 14 half-centuries and one century in IPL so far, averaging runs of 39.07. His overall batting average in the cash-rich league was 135.52.

Gaikwad was replaced by Yashasvi Jaiswal as a substitute in the India squad ahead of the Test World Championship final. He will soon marry his longtime girlfriend Utkarsha Pawar. Due to his marriage, Ruturaj will not be traveling to England to be part of the Indian team for the WTC Finals.