2nd ODI: Moving to Middle Order Brings Different Challenges, Says Ruturaj Gaikwad

Gaikwad, who has spent most of his career opening the batting, has featured at No. 4 for India whenever a place has opened up in the middle order. In 10 ODIs, he has scored 241 runs, including a century and a fifty.

“There is a lot of difference. As I said, I've been opening the batting for almost more than 100 innings now at the first-class level. So, batting middle order, especially at international cricket, comes with different challenges. You have to rotate the strike. You have to make sure that you take the right option,” Gaikwad said in a pre-match interaction with broadcasters.

He explained that the conditions faced by an opener during the powerplay can be significantly different from those encountered by a middle-order batter once the field spreads.

“When we are batting in powerplay, you get those easy boundaries, the fielders are inside. But batting middle order, you just have to make sure you make that adjustment and, as I said, just back your strengths, whatever it is,” he added.

Gaikwad also admitted that returning to international cricket after a lengthy gap can bring some nervousness. He was unbeaten on 13 in India's eight-wicket victory in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram.

“Well, that was a long way ago, to be honest. I had many innings in between. Obviously IPL was there as well. So played in different conditions, played at different numbers,” he said, referring to his previous international century against South Africa in December 2025.

“So obviously to come back at international level after a long time, obviously there is a lot of nervousness. But I think last game it was much better to just go in there and just hang around a bit,” Gaikwad added.

The batter also addressed the uncertainty surrounding his opportunities in the Indian team, saying he has learned to concentrate on the chance in front of him rather than speculate about future selection.

“Well, it is just about giving your best. As long as you are getting to play for India, getting the opportunity to play for India, it is just about going in there and giving your best and not thinking too far ahead about whether the opportunities will come or not,” he said.

Gaikwad acknowledged that dealing with uncertainty can sometimes be difficult but said representing India should ultimately be enjoyed.

“Yes, sometimes it's hard to process, but obviously, you have to enjoy it. You have to enjoy playing for your country,” he concluded.