IND vs SA: Ruturaj Gaikwad calls batting with Virat Kohli “a dream”

Ruturaj Gaikwad finally stamped his moment to shine, making the most of his much-awaited opportunity. Covering for an injured Shreyas Iyer in the 50-over lineup, Gaikwad has been slotted into the middle order for the IND vs SA ODI series. Batting in a position unusual for a top-order player, Gaikwad began the series with a meek knock in the Ranchi ODI. However, rising to the challenge of batting in the middle, the Maharashtra batter notched up his maiden ton in the format in Raipur. His 105 off 83, meanwhile, formed a 195-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who scored his second consecutive century of the series. While both their hundreds went in vain as the Proteas clinched the IND vs SA 2nd ODI, Gaikwad reflected on the prospect of batting alongside the veteran.

Ruturaj Gaikwad reflects on his partnership with Virat Kohli in the IND vs SA 2nd ODI

The first half of the IND vs SA clash in Raipur saw Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad taking centre stage in the 2nd ODI. After the Proteas removed Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal early, Kohli and Gaikwad dug deep to dismantle the visitors with a 195-run partnership. The stand also featured Ruturaj Gaikwad reaching his maiden ODI ton, while Kohli notched his second consecutive century of the series.

The IND vs SA 2nd ODI marked Gaikwad's eighth innings for India in the format. This time, the 28-year-old managed to stitch together an impactful partnership with Virat Kohli. Gaikwad appeared fluent, complementing the batting veteran seamlessly from the other end. While both tons went in vain as the dew-hit chase saw the Proteas thrash the Indian bowling attack, which included Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, Gaikwad and Kohli's achievements did not go unnoticed.

Now, as the hosts prepare to clinch the series in the third and final fixture in Visakhapatnam, Gaikwad reflected on his partnership with Virat Kohli in the Raipur ODI. Beyond the technical aspects of his knock, Gaikwad described the opportunity to bat with the modern-day Indian legend as something he had always dreamed of. After expressing admiration for Kohli's work ethic, Gaikwad opened up about the discussions and conversations between the two in the middle that helped fuel their massive partnership in the 2nd ODI.

“I’ve been watching him in practice over the last week, and it’s unbelievable, the amount of time he seems to have. You dream of moments like these," Gaikwad said. “Even during our partnership, the conversations were simple: look for 5–10 runs an over, find the gaps, rotate strike and take boundaries when possible. I really enjoyed that partnership," he added.

Moving ahead, the CSK captain also opened up about shifting slots and coming out to bat in the middle order. While acknowledging that the transition has been challenging, Gaikwad made it a point to thank the Indian management for trusting him to see it through. Moreover, Gaikwad credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who encouraged him to enjoy his batting and stay true to his natural game.

"I was told that I will bat at number four this series and encouraged to enjoy my game. I feel it is a privilege to have that kind of confidence from management to an opener who can bat at four. Hopefully, I can do well in the last match too. Coach told me to enjoy the game and play my natural game," Ruturaj said. "Batting at number four is a challenge for me," he noted.