“Coach told me to …” - Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals Gautam Gambhir’s advice ahead of 2nd ODI vs SA

India No.4 ODI batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has stated that it was a challenge for him to bat at No.4 in the 50-over format. Notably, Gaikwad, who usually bats in the top order, took up the No.4 role, scoring an exceptional century in the second ODI against South Africa, in Raipur, on Wednesday, December 3.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Gaikwad has asserted that he is well aware of how to bat till 40 to 45 overs in an ODI game. Furthermore, he also spoke about not getting enough runs in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy season, but felt good to be among runs.

"Batting at number four is a challenge for me. In ODI format, even while I was opening, I always wanted to bat till 40-45 overs and capitalize after that. I know how to play 11-40 overs and rotate strike, find my boundary options. It was just about playing the first 10-15 balls well and keeping the process. Whenever I'm set, I try to make it long,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said in the post-match press conference. 

"I was not able to do much in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy and had a lot of things going on in my mind. I thought for this year, my thought was to stay consistent with my runs, be it in club cricket, white-ball or red-ball cricket. If I get a chance, well and good; otherwise, still well and good," he added.

Additionally, Gaikwad also disclosed the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir’s words of enjoying and playing the natural game, which helped the Indian batter to excel in the second ODI as he brought up his maiden ODI ton.

"I was told that I will bat at number four this series and encouraged to enjoy my game. I feel it is a privilege to have that kind of confidence from management to an opener who can bat at four. Hopefully, I can do well in the last match too. Coach told me to enjoy the game and play my natural game," he concluded.

However, India couldn’t manage to bag a win in the second ODI as they suffered a four-wicket defeat in the high-scoring game. The series currently stands at 1-1.

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