Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his first ODI century batting with Virat Kohli against South Africa.
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a maiden ODI century in just his second match after being shifted to the number four batting position. The opener, adapting to a new middle-order role, struck 105 runs from 83 balls in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur.
He built a match-defining 195-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who also scored a century, powering India to a total of 358 for 5. Gaikwad expressed gratitude for the team management’s confidence in his flexibility.
Gaikwad On Batting Alongside Kohli
Gaikwad said he took the role change as a privilege. “I feel it’s a privilege to have that kind of confidence from the management towards an opener who can bat at No 4 as well. I took it that way,” he said.
He explained his general approach to the 50-over format. “In one-day format, even when I was opening, I have always tried to make sure I am able to bat till the 45th over and capitalise after that.”
Reflecting on a period away from the game due to injury and IPL captaincy changes, Gaikwad emphasized staying present. “It is better if you don’t think too much about all these things because (if) you are not in the present and whatever matches are in front of you, you don’t have that much focus and that much preparation.”
He detailed the simple plan during his partnership with Kohli. “The chat in between was very clear. We had said (about scoring) 5-10 runs per over (is the) target and (also) how to manoeuver the (ball in the) gaps or how to hit those boundaries (and) how we can rotate strikes.”
Gaikwad concluded by stating his current focus is on consistent performance, regardless of opportunities or external expectations.
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