IND v AUS 2023: Something to be happy after World Cup final loss, says Ruturaj Gaikwad post T20I series win

India have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead over Australia in the ongoing five-T20I series.

Ruturaj Gaikwad | GettyTeam India on Friday (December 1) took an unassailable 3-1 lead over Australia in the ongoing five-T20I series with a convincing 20-run victory in the fourth match at Raipur.

After the game, opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad attributed India’s series win to "fearless and aggressive" strategy.

Gaikwad also hoped that this win would offer some solace to the fans after India’s heartbreaking World Cup final loss against Australia earlier this month.

"I think this is something to be happy for everyone after the disappointing loss in the final of the World Cup," Gaikwad told Jiocinema.

"I think it was important for all of us to express ourselves and enjoy the game. 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."

When asked about any discussion around disappointment after losing the World Cup final, Gaikwad said, "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."

Gaikwad, who slammed a whirlwind century in the third T20I in Guwahati, also explained the learnings he grasped while playing under MS Dhoni’s captaincy at Chennai Super Kings.

"I learnt a lot about this format playing for CSK. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is always keen on reading situations and understanding the game," said the 26-year-old.

"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. In T20s, you always have to be ahead of the game mentally and I give a lot of importance to that. The night before, I visualise what kind of situation may occur during the game, and how the pitch may behave. Mahi bhai always insists that we don't rush our thoughts, because there's enough time for an opener even in a T20 match."

During the series, Gaikwad shared some strong opening stands with Yashasvi Jaiswal, adding 77 runs and 50 runs in the second and fourth T20Is respectively. However, the pair was involved in a terrible mix-up in the opening game, resulting in Gaikwad's run out.

"After the first match, we decided that we'd be off from risky singles. We'll just look for boundaries," Gaikwad said.

"He's (Jaiswal) 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."

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 02 Dec, 2023

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