Guwahati, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has acknowledged that moving from his familiar opening position to the middle order in international cricket presents distinct challenges, particularly in strike rotation, shot selection and adapting to different match situations.
Speaking ahead of the second ODI, Gaikwad said that batting in the middle order requires tactical adjustments, as opportunities to score freely are different from those available during the powerplay.
Gaikwad, who has spent most of his career as an opener, has been deployed at number four for India whenever a vacancy has arisen in the playing XI. In 10 ODIs, he has scored 241 runs, including a century and a half-century.
“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 batters often find it easier to score boundaries during the powerplay, when fielding restrictions are in place. In the middle order, however, players need to adapt their approach and rely on their individual strengths.
“Often 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 prolonged gap brings nervousness, despite having continued to play in different conditions and batting positions.
His previous international century came against South Africa in December 2025. He remained unbeaten on 13 in India’s eight-wicket victory in Thiruvananthapuram in his most recent appearance.
“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. So, obviously, to come back at international level after a long time, 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,” he said.
Addressing the uncertainty surrounding his opportunities in the Indian team, Gaikwad said he has focused on making the most of every chance rather than worrying about future selections.
He emphasised the importance of staying in the present, delivering his best whenever selected and enjoying the opportunity to represent the country.
“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. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to process, but obviously, you have to enjoy it. You have to enjoy playing for your country,” he said.
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