NEW DELHI: Ruturaj Gaikwad is all set to lead the Indian men's cricket team in its historic debut at the Asian Games cricket campaign. Gaikwad, who has drawn inspiration from the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, expressed his intent to bring his distinctive leadership style to the forefront.
"I got to learn a lot of things from him (Dhoni) but every person has a different style. His style is different, his personality is different, and my personality is a bit different. I will try to be myself and not really look at what he usually does," Gaikwad conveyed to the media.
While he acknowledged Dhoni's influence, Gaikwad emphasised his desire to allow players the freedom to express themselves on the field. "Obviously, yes, you have to pick out some things which he does really well, how he handles situations and how he handles particular players during a match. Obviously, these are (a) few things I really took from him, but I would like to lead the way I want to," he added.
The Indian cricket team, fresh off the success of the women's team's gold medal victory, is poised as favourites to excel in the upcoming competition. Their quarterfinal match is scheduled for tomorrow.
Coach VVS Laxman commented on the unique experience of playing cricket in China, saying, "It is a much different setup. We (would) have not even thought that we will come and play cricket in China. It is a great opportunity for the entire team. Participating in the Asian Games is a big opportunity and a matter of great pride for all these players."
Gaikwad echoed the team's eagerness to emulate the success of their female counterparts, stating, "Coming to the Asian Games, everyone is eager to win the gold for the country and stand up on the podium."
The team's visit to the Games' village provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by athletes from various sports disciplines. Gaikwad remarked, "Hardly (in) 2-3 years or four years (that) they get an opportunity to play for the country and represent it. We took a lot of pride from yesterday's visit (to the Games' village) and obviously got to know how special it is — obviously we do know but it just reflected a little bit more to represent the country."
1/10:Asian Games: India cricket team's practice session in Hangzhou
TOI Sports
2/10:VVS Laxman-led Team India
<p>Led by former India batsman VVS Laxman, team will embark on the journey of securing another gold, with Yashasvi Jaiswal being one of his key assets.</p>TOI Sports
3/10:Avesh Khan
<p>Avesh Khan is no alien to T20 cricket. The 26-year-old speedster will display his bowling skills in Hangzhou over the next few days. </p>TOI Sports
4/10:Washington Sundar
<p><b>Washington Sundar was in the debate for India's World Cup squad a few days ago. He would like to don that gold by the end of the campaign in China.</b></p>TOI Sports
5/10:Arshdeep Singh
<p>Arshdeep Singh is a key figure in India's bowling attack as the Men in Blue are on the hunt for a gold medal in Hangzhou.</p>TOI Sports
6/10:Ruturaj's responsibilities
<p>In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the Indian men's cricket national team in the Asia Games.</p>TOI Sports
7/10:Rinku Singh
<p>Following a stellar season in IPL and other domestic competitions, Rinku Singh, 25, is set to unleash his power in the Asian Games.</p>TOI Sports
8/10:Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh
<p>Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh have already showcased in the IPL what they are capable of.</p>TOI Sports
9/10:Arshdeep Singh
<p>Arshdeep Singh's left-handed fast bowling is expected to bear fruits for the Indian side in the Asian Games.</p>TOI Sports
10/10:Yashasvi Jaiswal
<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal made his international debut for India this year. In his first Test against West Indies, the left-handed batsman scored 171 runs, earning him Player of the Match.</p>TOI SportsThe cricket team also took pride in witnessing their fellow countrymen and women competing in various sports. Gaikwad shared, "It was a really great chance to see our country play across various sports such as badminton, tennis, or even hockey. It was a matter of great pride. We enjoyed a lot, cheering for our team."
Adapting to different field dimensions, Gaikwad expressed the team's readiness, citing their experience playing on a variety of cricket grounds throughout their careers. "Everyone, throughout their careers, be it domestic or anything (else), has gone through such dimensions on the cricket ground and I think they are all used to it," he reassured.
(With inputs from PTI)
