“I think we had really good running between the wickets as well. You dream of these kinds of moments, to be able to have that kind of partnership. I really enjoyed it a lot,” he added.
Photo: IANS
India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad reflected on his massive partnership with veteran Virat Kohli in the second ODI against South Africa, describing the senior player’s form as “unbelievable” after the duo kept India afloat in Raipur.
“The chat in between was very clear. We had set 5-10 runs an over as target and how to manoeuvre the gaps, how to get those boundaries or how we can rotate strike,” Gaikwad said after the match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
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“I think we had really good running between the wickets as well. You dream of these kinds of moments, to be able to have that kind of partnership. I really enjoyed it a lot,” he added.
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Gaikwad produced a superb innings of 105 off 83 balls, marking his maiden ODI century and providing India with much-needed stability.
Having been moved down to No. 4 for this series, Gaikwad also shed light on his discussions with the team management regarding his evolving role in the ODI setup.
“They (the management) just told me you’ll be batting at four this series and to just enjoy the game. I think it is a privilege to have that kind of confidence from the management towards an opener who can bat at number four as well,” he said.
Gaikwad further explained his mindset about batting out of position and how he has tailored his game to the demands of the middle order. The Maharashtra batter went from fifty to hundred in 25 balls as his boundary count nearly tripled, from five to 14.
“Even when I was opening the innings, I always made sure that whenever I am set I am able to bat till the 45th over and capitalise after that.
“I think I knew how to play in between 11 to 40 overs, to rotate strike and what are the boundary options. I was pretty much confident on how I can go through.
“It was just a matter of how I can play my first 10-15 balls and after that the process remains the same. I have been working very hard, so wanted to make sure that whenever I am set I will make it a big one,” he added.
Despite the twin centuries from Gaikwad and Kohli, South Africa successfully chased down the daunting target of 358 to level the series 1-1.
Both teams will now travel to Visakhapatnam for the series decider on December 6.
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