Ruturaj Gaikwad: I learnt a lot about T20 format playing for CSK under MS Dhoni

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The Indian cricket team has clinched an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match T20I series against Australia, with a significant contribution coming from the opening batsman, Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Following the fourth match in Raipur, Gaikwad shared his thoughts with JioCinema experts Simon Katich and Abhishek Nayar. The conversation covered an array of topics, from the series victory to his partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and his personal approach to T20 cricket.

Gaikwad is at the cusp of creating a record as he has an opportunity to surpass the likes of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul to become the leading run-scorer for India in a bilateral T20 series. Kohli (231), Rahul (224), and Gaikwad (213) still has one match to go.

Riding the Wave of Victory

The series win against Australia is a welcome relief for the Indian team, especially after their disappointing defeat in the World Cup final. Gaikwad expressed his belief that it was vital for the team to continue playing with passion and enjoyment, and for each player to take on their responsibility at every stage of the game.

"I think this is something to be happy for everyone after the disappointing loss in the final of the World Cup. I think it was important for all of us to express ourselves and enjoy the game. And, I think everyone pretty much took responsibility at every stage. So, we are really happy with the result, but there's still one match to go," he said.

Learning from the Past

Post the World Cup disappointment, the team's dialogue centered around playing fearlessly, being assertive, and trusting their instincts at all times. Gaikwad noted that the positive energy was palpable in the team, with several players carrying confidence from successful domestic tournaments.

"The discussion was more or less to just be fearless and aggressive and back your instincts at every stage. There were 2-3 members from the World Cup squad who were with us.

There was positive energy in the team because we were coming from domestic tournaments, and everyone had done pretty well there. Everyone came in with a lot of confidence," he added further.

Opening Partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal

Discussing his partnership with Jaiswal, Gaikwad revealed that they decided to abstain from risky singles and focus on boundaries from the first match. "After the first match, we decided that we'd be off from risky singles. We'll just look for boundaries. He's someone who takes the game on and regardless of any situation, he likes to be aggressive."

"The discussion has always been that if the wicket is suitable, we'll go with a positive intent. But I think the focus is taking care of the first two overs," said Gaikwad.

Handling On-Field Mistakes

Reflecting on a mix-up with Jaiswal during their first match, Gaikwad displayed his understanding nature, stressing that mistakes do happen and he was fine with that. Rather than letting such incidents affect their game, the duo chose to move on and focus on their performance.

"After he got out, he was walking in and he immediately said sorry. I said it's ok, it happens and it was maybe a mistake. I think mistakes do happen, so I am fine with that," the Maharashtra cricketer said.

Playing for the Team

Despite getting fewer opportunities to face the ball when partnering with Jaiswal during the power-play, Gaikwad isn't bothered. His focus remains on the team's overall score rather than his individual performance, a mindset fostered by his experience playing for CSK under MS Dhoni's guidance.

"I learnt a lot about this format playing for CSK. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is always keen on reading situations and understanding the game. He sends a message that you have to look for the team score and what the team requires irrespective of the situation of the game," he added.

Preparation and Mental Fortitude

When it comes to preparing for a series, Gaikwad places immense importance on staying mentally ahead of the game. On the eve of the match, he visualizes potential game scenarios and how the pitch might behave.

Taking a page from Dhoni's book, Gaikwad refrains from rushing his thoughts, believing that an opener has ample time even in a T20 match to strategize and play effectively.

In conclusion, Ruturaj Gaikwad's mindset, preparation, and ability to adapt to various game situations underline his invaluable contribution to the Indian cricket team's current success against Australia. His approach to the game, combined with his ability to learn from experienced players like MS Dhoni, provides a promising future for both him and Indian cricket.