Guwahati, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : Indian batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed that the long gaps between international matches can induce some anxiety. He noted that shifting from his regular opening position to the middle order presents various challenges, including necessary technical adjustments.
Gaikwad has predominantly played as an opener throughout his career. However, he has stepped in to bat at number four whenever opportunities arose in the middle order for the Indian team. In the ten One Day Internationals he has played, he has scored 241 runs, including a century and a half-century, demonstrating his value to the team.
In a conversation with broadcasters, Gaikwad remarked, “There is a significant difference. As I mentioned, I have opened in over 100 innings at the first-class level. This is why batting in the middle order, especially in international cricket, brings its own set of challenges. You have to rotate the strike and ensure that you make the right choices.”
The Indian batsman further explained, “Often when we bat during the powerplay, easy boundaries are available as fielders are inside. However, when batting in the middle order, you must ensure you adapt and, as I said, trust your strengths, no matter what.”
Reflecting on his return to the national team, Gaikwad admitted to feeling some nerves, recalling his unbeaten 13 runs in a recent eight-wicket victory in Thiruvananthapuram. He stated, “To be honest, that feels like a long time ago (referring to his century against South Africa in December 2025). Since then, I have played many innings, including in the IPL, which has exposed me to different conditions and batting positions. Naturally, there’s a bit of anxiety about returning to international cricket after such a long break. However, I think it was beneficial to stay out there for a while in the last game.”
Discussing the uncertainty of opportunities within the national team, Gaikwad emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than worrying about future chances. He concluded, “It’s all about giving your best. As long as you have the opportunity to play for India, you must go out there and perform to the best of your ability, rather than thinking about whether more opportunities will come. Yes, it can sometimes be difficult to accept, but you should enjoy it. Playing for your country should be a joy.”
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