The support that head coach Gautam Gambhir and the management have given him to bat at number four in the current ODI series against South Africa has been clarified by Ruturaj Gaikwad. After being removed for just eight in the series-opening match in Ranchi, Gaikwad took advantage of his start in the Raipur ODI to record a superb century.
Gaikwad stated that his goal is to continue the momentum in the December 6 decider in Visakhapatnam. He further revealed that Gambhir told him to stick to the fundamentals and just have fun.
“I was encouraged to enjoy my game and informed that I will bat at number four this series. I consider it an honour that the management has such faith in an opener who can bat at four. I’m hoping to perform well in the last game as well. According to India Today, Gaikwad said, “Coach told me to enjoy the game and play my natural game.”
The Men in Blue scored 358/5 thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli and Gaikwad.
After getting off to a fast start, Gaikwad disclosed that his goal has always been to bat for a long time in the 50-over format. After not having the finest List A domestic season the previous time, he also admitted to having a lot of self-doubt.
“Even when I was opening in the ODI format, my goal was to bat for 40–45 overs and then capitalise. I know how to discover my boundary alternatives, rotate strikes, and play 11–40 overs. I had a lot on my mind and was unable to accomplish anything during the last Vijay Hazare Trophy season. Whether playing club cricket, white-ball cricket, or red-ball cricket this year, my goal was to maintain consistency with runs. Well and good if I have a chance. Other than that, everything is fine,” he continued.
At the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Gaikwad’s 105 from 83 balls was India’s highest score. For the third wicket, the pair stitched a 156-ball, 195-run partnership.
The hosts were unable to protect the total in spite of these batting attempts. The Proteas won the chase to tie the series thanks to Aiden Markram’s hefty tonne and crucial middle-field efforts. On December 6, the third ODI, which will decide the series, will take place in Visakhapatnam.
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