IRE vs IND 2023: Ireland series is very important for me – Ruturaj Gaikwad

Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has admitted that the ongoing three-match T20I series against Ireland is very important for him as a batter. Gaikwad scored a classy knock of 58 runs off just 43 balls in the second T20I against the hosts at the Village, Dublin on Sunday.

The flamboyant batter got off to a circumspect start but changed gears later on in his innings. The right-hander scored six fours and one six in his knock and batted at the top of his game. Gaikwad added a fine alliance of 71 runs with Sanju Samson and played a key role in helping India post 185 runs on the board.

Gaikwad feels the ongoing series is imperative to prove his mettle and cement his place in the team. The Maharastra batter reckons it is difficult to seal the spot in the main Indian team as there is a lot of competition for particular places.

Ruturaj Gaikwad said in the post-match press conference after India registered a 33-run win to take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series, “This series is very important to me. It makes a big difference when you are playing the series from the first match. You come in with a lot of confidence, lot of preparation and the right mindset. But I think you also accept sometimes that there is no space in the main team; there are batters who are doing really well. It is a mixed feeling.”

On being asked about the advantage of opening the innings, Gaikwad feels he could take a bit of time whereas the middle-order batters have to get off the blocks in a jiffy.

“I think being an opener, I have the luxury to eat up some balls upfront. Face 10-15 balls, and then come back and cover. It is difficult for batters coming in. Usually, there are fewer overs left. Sometimes 8 or 10. They cannot afford to play too many dot balls. Being an opener, it is always great to assess the wicket, play accordingly and figure out what shots you can play and what shots you can’t play,” the right-handed batter added.

Gaikwad, who plays for CSK in the IPL, added the series win against Ireland is more important than the eventual margin.

“I guess we have played good cricket in both games. I think Ireland are a very competitive side and they played well today as well; two or three hits here and there, they could have reached closer to the target. As far as winning 3-0 is concerned, the series win is more important than 3-0 or 2-1, it doesn’t really matter,” he concluded.

The third T20I between India and Ireland will be played at the same venue, the Village, Dublin on Wednesday.