IND vs SA: Life Is Not On Edge, IPL Performance Has Increased Expectations: Indian Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who hasn’t been able to transfer his IPL success into national colours, is unconcerned. For him, it’s just about “being constant psychologically” and “trusting the process.” 

The 25-year-old Maharashtra batsman has 1207 runs in 36 IPL matches so far, but just 120 in six T20Is, including his maiden fifty against South Africa in the third T20 here on Tuesday. 

Life Not On The Edge: Ruturaj Gaikwad

When asked if he feels like his life is on the edge, Gaikwad said: “Not really on the edge, it is just part and parcel of the sport. 

“Last year I had a really good year so people come with a lot of expectations when you have a great year even in IPL and domestic.” 

He had a shaky start to the IPL this year, hitting 368 runs in 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings, including three fifties. 

“In the IPL, the wicket was slightly bowler-friendly. There was no flat wicket, it was two-paced, the ball was turning, and there was some swing. 

“So 3-4 games in IPL, I got out to good balls where in some dismissals, some good shots went to the fielder’s hand, it is part of T20 cricket. 

“You will have off days and really bad days. It is a matter of staying consistent mentally, trusting your process. In the first two games, Gaikwad scored 23 and 1 to once again raise questions on his ability as an opener.

However, he delivered when it mattered most, slamming a 35-ball 57 studded with seven fours and two maximums.” 

“Coming into the series as well, the first two wickets I felt were on the tacky side. It was stopping a bit batting first in the last two games but here the wicket was good, ball was coming into the bat, so I played my game. 

“I changed nothing, my thought process, everything was the same.” 

Going After Bowlers Was Not About Being Reckless: Ruturaj Gaikwad

India had scored 148 for six in the second T20I, with batsmen going for their strokes despite losing wickets. 

Even if the team loses wickets, Shreyas Iyer stated that the squad would continue to attack. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad said: “Going after the bowlers was not about being reckless or playing rash shots. I think we as a batting unit have some strength, certain shots we play as individuals. It is about backing ourselves and putting pressure on the bowlers. 

“Just making sure that you are showing the intent, no matter if you are playing first ball or second ball, or you are set, even if you are batting at 30-40, if it is there in your area, in your strength, just have to go for it, that is what the thinking is about.” 

There Was More Awareness And That Worked Well For Us: Ruturaj Gaikwad

The period between the second and third games was quite short, and Gaikwad stated the squad simply tried to stay to what worked and be somewhat more aware of its bowling. 

“The conversation was about staying positive. We played really well in both the games. There were just some crunch moments where they played really well and overtook us. So it was just that they batted really well, but today they had a batting collapse. 

“Coming here, we just wanted to stick to what we did in the last two games and look to improve as a group. Bowling-wise, we were slightly more aware of the game, there was more awareness and that worked well for us.” 

India will face South Africa in the 4th T20 on Friday. 

Also Read: IND vs SA: Solid Comeback By Team India, Defended The Total In Style: Former India Cricketer Irfan Pathan