Ruturaj Gaikwad on learning from his CSK captain MS Dhoni ahead of Asian Games debut

Ruturaj Gaikwad opens about what all he has learnt from MS Dhoni about leadership.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Indian team captain for Asian Games, which are underway in Hangzhou, China, said that he will be doing things differently than what MS Dhoni does in Chennai Super Kings, IPL franchise Gaikwad represents.

In addition to improving as a batter in IPL and domestic cricket over the past couple of years, Gaikwad has also learned a thing or two about leadership from the famous MS Dhoni.

After IPL 2021 season, there were some rumours about whether Gaikwad may subsequently step into Dhoni's shoes for CSK following captain's retirement. He has experience leading Maharashtra in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

While most of them want Ruturaj to emulate Dhoni's captaincy style during the tournament, the batter clarified that he would want to lead India the way he wants.

"I got to learn a lot of things from him (Dhoni) but every person has a different style. His style is different, his personality is different and my personality is a bit different. I will try to be myself and not look at what he usually does.

Obviously, yes you have to pick out some things that he does well, how he handles situations and how he handles particular players during a match. These are (a) a few things I took from him, but I would like to lead the way I want to. I just want the players to express themselves and give how much ever freedom that I can,” Ruturaj was quoted by Times of India.

India will play against Nepal in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Everyone is eager to win the gold for the country- Ruturaj Gaikwad

India will be favourites for another gold medal in Hangzhou after the women's team clinched the ultimate prize earlier in the Games. Gaikwad admitted that the players are eager to clinch the gold medal like their female counterparts.

"Coming to the Asian Games, everyone is eager to win the gold for the country and stand up on the podium. In cricket, we have the World Cup, the IPL, and domestic tournaments. We are used to that kind of environment and situation. But coming here and going to the village, we got to know about the athletes — what kinds of struggle they go through," he said.

This is the first time India has participated in the cricket event at the Asian Games.