Ruturaj Gaikwad Says He Felt Fully Assured Taking On the No. 4 Batting Role

Ruturaj Gaikwad played exceptionally well during the 2nd ODI against South Africa. His partnership with Virat Kohli allowed India to score a big total in the first innings of the match. Despite being an opening batter, Gaikwad came in at the no.4 batting position to strengthen the middle order. Interestingly, his strike rate didn’t drop while playing there, as he kept scoring runs at a rapid pace.

While speaking to the media after the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad said that he was mentally prepared to bat at the no.4 position. He added that the team management had already informed him about his designated role, which made it easier for him to plan accordingly.

"[The team management] told me that I would be batting at No. 4 this series. I feel it's a privilege to have that kind of confidence from the management towards an opener. So I took it that way.” said Ruturaj Gaikwad at the post-match press conference.

He further said that capitalizing on a good start is quite important in one-day cricket. While batting during the middle overs, he knew how to take the innings deep and keep the scoring rate high by playing big shots regularly.

"In the one-day format, even when I was opening the innings, I always tried to make sure that whenever I was set, I was able to bat till the 45th over and capitalize after that.” said Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“So I knew somewhat how to play between overs 11 to 40, how to rotate strike, what the boundary options were. So I was pretty much confident about how I could go through [the innings].” added Ruturaj Gaikwad.

He said that his focus always remains on playing the first few balls with confidence in the middle. After that, the process of taking the innings deep stays the same, allowing him to play his natural game.

"It was just a matter of how I could play my first 10-15 balls and after that, the process remains the same. I have been working really hard, and obviously been in good touch as well. So I wanted to make sure that whenever I am set, I make it a big one." said Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Applauding the Masterclass of Virat Kohli

Talking about the experience of playing with Virat Kohli, Gaikwad admitted that it was exceptional. He praised Kohli’s work ethic, noting that he always performs well in practice sessions and carries that confidence onto the field.

"I have been able to witness him since last one week now. Whatever practice sessions we have had, he is batting unbelievably well… the amount of time he has and how he is able to convert it in the match as well. And even this game, I enjoyed a lot. [But] mostly, I was trying to be in my zone and not really think about how he is batting or how he is able to score runs.” said Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The young Indian batter last played an ODI in 2023, so returning after such a long gap must have been challenging for him. He acknowledged this but added that dwelling too much on the past can distract from focusing on the present.

"I think all these things are better if you don't think too much [about them]. Because [if you do so], you are not in the present, and whatever matches are in front of you, you don't have that much focus and preparation for them.” said Ruturaj Gaikwad.

After having a poor Vijay Hazare Trophy, Gaikwad decided to make a strong comeback. He knew that remaining in the past won’t help him to move forward, so he pledged to stay consistent in the upcoming matches without taking on too much outside pressure.

"In the last Vijay Hazare Trophy, I couldn't make that many runs [194 in seven innings]. Obviously, some things were going on in my mind. But after that, I thought whichever match it is, whether a club game, red-ball format, or white-ball format, I will make sure I try to stay consistent. I realised that my duty is to score runs as much as possible. And if I get an opportunity, well and good. Even if I don't, it's still fine." concluded Ruturaj Gaikwad.