India's dashing opener Ruturaj Gaikwad attributed India's stunning victory over Australia in the fourth match of the five-match T20I series on December 1 to the team's fearless and aggressive approach. He said that this triumph would serve as a morale booster for Indian cricket fans following the heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup final.
India secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series after defeating Australia by 20 runs in the fourth T20I in Raipur on December 1, Friday. Gaikwad lauded Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni's influence on his new approach to the shorter format of the game.
"I learnt a lot about this format playing for CSK. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is always keen on reading situations and understanding the game. 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," Gaikwad told Jiocinema.
"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," he further said.
India's rode on Ruturaj 28-ball 32 and Rinku Singh's fiery 46 post a total of 174/9. In reply, Australia were reduced to 154/7, thanks to Axar Patel's stunning three-fer.
Ruturaj also said that Men in Blue's resounding victory in the five-match T20I series against Australia will give Indian fans something to cheer about about Rohit Sharma's brigade's painful defeat in the ODI World Cup final.
"I think this is something to be happy for everyone after the disappointing loss in the final of the World Cup," Gaikwad,
"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."
“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,” Ruturaj concluded.
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