New Delhi: Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed a brilliant knock of 77 runs as India hammered Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the 2nd T20I to level the five-match T20I series 1-1. Gaikwad’s 77 was a fitting tribute to the legendary MS Dhoni, who celebrated his 43rd birthday on Sunday, July 07. Dhoni’s iconic no.7 jersey has been retired by the BCCI in his honour and the former captain continues to get associated with the number.
After failing to deliver in the 1st T20I against Zimbabwe where India suffered a shock defeat on Saturday, Gaikwad returned to form with a classy knock at the Harare Sports Club in the 2nd T20I. He joined hands with opener Abhishek Sharma, who notched up his maiden T20I ton in the game to propel India to a huge total of 234 runs in 20 overs.
Abhishek went berserk with the bat as he slammed a sensational knock of 100 runs off 47 balls laced with 8 sixes and 7 fours. Gaikwad and Abhishek added 137 runs for the second wicket which set the stage for a huge total for India in the game. After Abhishek’s departure, Gaikwad combined with Rinku Singh to add another important stand of unbeaten 87 for the 2nd wicket.
Rinku played a solid cameo of unbeaten 48 off 22 balls studded with 5 sixes and 2 fours. The partnership between Rinku and Gaikwad helped India finish with 234 runs which was comfortably defended by the visitors. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan picked up three wickets apiece as the duo ran through the Zimbabwe batting line-up.
A unique tribute to MS Dhoni
On his special day, Gaikwad’s 77 not-out was a unique tribute to his former CSK captain Dhoni. When asked about the interesting coincidence during the mid-innings break, Gaikwad had a big smile on his face. Gaikwad made his CSK debut under Dhoni’s captaincy in 2019 and won two IPL titles under the legendary wicket-keeper batter.
Dhoni groomed Gaikwad as his successor at CSK and handed over the baton to the 27-year-old ahead of IPL 2024. Gaikwad did well in his debut season as captain of the five-time champions but failed to take them to playoffs. Amid questions about his future in the IPL, it remains to be seen if Dhoni will play for CSK again next season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed a brilliant knock of unbeaten 77 as India defeated Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the 2nd T20I to level the five-match series 1-1. Gaikwad’s 77 was a tribute to his former CSK captain MS Dhoni on his 43rd birthday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
