IND vs IRE: This Series Is Very Important To Me: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Published - 21 Aug 2023, 02:38 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:17 AM

Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image Credits: Twitter)

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the best performers in the IPL in the last few seasons. In 2021, he scored 635 runs to help Chennai Super Kings win the IPL for the fourth time and followed it up with a 368-run season in 2022.

In this year’s IPL, he smashed 590 runs to help the Chennai-based outfit clinch a record-equaling fifth IPL title. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been Chennai Super Kings’ batting mainstay in the last three seasons or so. Performing so well in the IPL usually guarantees a long run in the national team. However, it has not been the case with Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The highly-rated batsman is still a fringe player in the Indian team and only gets a chance in case of an injury or in the second-string teams. He made his debut for India in 2021 and has played only two ODIs and 11 T20Is so far. The right-hander is currently a part of India’s squad for the ongoing three-match T20I series against Ireland. Most of the big names are not playing in the series due to the upcoming Asia Cup.

On Sunday (August 20), he starred with the bat for India, scoring 58 runs off 43 balls to help India beat Ireland by 33 runs and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ruturaj Gaikwad highlighted the importance of the ongoing series for him. He also stated that he is well aware of his position in the main team.

“This series is very important to me. It makes a big difference when you are playing the series from the first match. You come in with a lot of confidence, lot of preparation and the right mindset. But I think you also accept sometimes that there is no space in the main team; there are batters who are doing really well. It is a mixed feeling,” said Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad on opening:

Speaking further, Ruturaj Gaikwad spoke on the advantages of opening the innings in T20Is. The opener stated that openers get the luxury of ‘eating up some balls upfront’. He said that batsmen who bat lower down the order do not have the luxury to play too many dot balls.

“I think being an opener, I have the luxury to eat up some balls upfront. Face 10-15 balls, and then come back and cover. It is difficult for batters coming in. Usually, there are fewer overs left. Sometimes 8 or 10.

“They cannot afford to play too many dot balls. Being an opener, it is always great to assess the wicket, play accordingly and figure out what shots you can play and what shots you can’t play,” said Ruturaj Gaikwad.

He will be looking to finish the series on a high. The third and final match is scheduled to be played on August 23. After the Ireland series, he is also set to lead the Indian team in the Asian Games.

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