India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has opened up about the clear and encouraging message he received from head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of his shift to the No.4 role in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. Traditionally an opener in domestic cricket and the IPL, Ruturaj was assigned the crucial middle-order slot with Shreyas Iyer still recovering from injury. The move, however, drew criticism from a section of fans who questioned the team management’s approach after Gaikwad’s modest outing in the first ODI.
But the Maharashtra batter silenced all debate in emphatic style, smashing his maiden ODI hundred and showcasing remarkable acceleration in the latter half of his innings. Speaking after the match, the 28-year-old expressed gratitude for the trust shown in him, revealing that Gambhir’s message was simple yet impactful—play your natural game and enjoy the moment.
“I was told I would bat at No.4 for this series and was encouraged to enjoy my game,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said at the press conference. “It feels like a privilege to have that kind of confidence from the management, especially for someone who is used to opening. Hopefully, I can deliver in the last match too. Coach told me to enjoy the game and play my natural game.”
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Gaikwad admitted that this was the best innings of his international career so far. “Yes, it was my best knock. Batting at number four is a challenge for me,” he said.
He also shed light on his batting process, emphasising the importance of building long innings once he gets set. Reflecting on his below-par Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign last year, Gaikwad said he promised himself consistency above all.
“In ODIs, even when opening, my goal was always to bat till 40–45 overs and capitalize later. I know how to control the innings between overs 11 to 40 by rotating strike and finding boundaries. It’s all about surviving the first 10–15 balls and sticking to the process. Whenever I’m set, I try to make it count,” he explained.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad further added, “Last Vijay Hazare Trophy, I wasn’t able to do much. A lot was going on in my mind. So this year, my only aim was to stay consistent—whether in club cricket, white-ball, or red-ball. If I get opportunities, great; if not, still great.”
Despite Gaikwad’s century and Virat Kohli’s 53rd ODI ton, India’s total of 358 fell short, as South Africa chased it down by four wickets in Raipur.
