Pressure on the captain reduced due to CSK’s two wins, Samson’s century brought new life to the team, Ashwin gave relief to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Chennai: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) two consecutive wins in the current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will ease the pressure on captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Apart from this, he also advised the out-of-form opening batsman to make some changes in his approach at the beginning of the innings. Five-time champion CSK suffered three consecutive defeats in the beginning but after that it made a great comeback by defeating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Ashwin said, “As captain, he has got two wins, which will make him feel comfortable.” To be honest, if I was in the dugout or Ruturaj Gaikwad was there, I would not have worried much. The T20 format is one where you have to show consistent intent.

Gaikwad is struggling to score runs. He has scored only 63 runs in five matches, with his highest score being 28. Due to his failure, there is also increasing talk of young Ayush Mhatre opening the innings with Sanju Samson. In such a situation, Gaikwad is likely to bat at number three. Ashwin advised Gaikwad not to play shots in the air at the beginning of his innings.

He said, “Ruturaj is playing too aggressive shots and is getting out early. If he plays a little relaxed in the beginning of his innings, tries to play the ball at the right time and plays as many field shots as possible, then it can benefit him.

Meanwhile, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn believes that Samson’s century against Delhi Capitals has breathed new life into CSK. Samson made a brilliant comeback by scoring 115 not out against Delhi and then scored 48 runs against KKR. Steyn said, “That century of his changed the atmosphere in the dressing room. This has injected energy into the team due to which the team has taken the path to victory.

He said, “It is really difficult to win an IPL match. Sometimes victory is very close and yet you lose. Therefore, once we win, the team’s confidence increases a lot.