IND vs SA: "Whenever I am set, I make it a big one"- Ruturaj Gaikwad's bold statement after his maiden ODI ton

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed a 77-ball century in the second ODI against South Africa.

After a failure in the first ODI, Ruturaj Gaikwad made a roaring comeback into the Indian team during the second ODI against South Africa Replacing injured Shreyas Iyer, Gaikwad got the opportunity to bat at No. 4, a position he has never batted before in 50-over format. But grabbed the opportunity in the Indian setup with both hands.

Reflective of his mindset to venture beyond his comfort zone and perform, Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century in Raipur against South Africa, batting at No.4. The 28-year-old built a phenomenal partnership with Virat Kohli that helped India mount a total of 358/5.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is ‘privileged’ to have the management’s confidence

Ruturaj Gaikwad learned of the management’s decision to slot him at No.4 before the series, and he embraced that opportunity.

“[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 Gaikwad.

Talking about his mentality of anchoring the innings till the death overs, he said, “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 capitalise after that. 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].

“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.”

Also Read: IND vs SA: Who said what after the second ODI in Raipur

Ruturaj Gaikwad relished batting with Virat Kohli

The highlight of India’s batting was the camaraderie between Gaikwad and Virat as both of them are of the same mould. Taking singles, doubles, and finding gaps are essential aspects of the game for both these players.

“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,” Gaikwad said, reminiscing his time in the middle with Virat.

The centurion also discussed the importance of process and how important it is for him to stick to the plan, as he said:

“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.”

“In the last Vijay Hazare Trophy, I couldn’t make that many runs. 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 Gaikwad.

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