ZIM vs IND 2024: Can’t compare myself with Kohli – Ruturaj Gaikwad on batting at number 3

India’s flamboyant batter Ruturaj Gaikwad doesn’t want to compare himself with veteran Virat Kohli. Gaikwad has batted at number three in the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe, a position at which Virat Kohli played for the major part of his career. 

Virat Kohli scored 4188 runs in 125 T20I matches at an average of 48.7 and a strike rate of 137.04 before announcing his T20I retirement. Kohli played a match-winning knock of 76 runs in the all-important World Cup final against South Africa after having a horrid run.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 77 runs off 47 balls in the second T20I against Zimbabwe. The right-hander from Maharashtra got off to a sedate start however he was able to turn the tables after the Powerplay overs. Gaikwad admitted it is going to be difficult to fill in the big shoes of Virat Kohli.

“This is a big topic and I think it’s not the right point to think about it. To even compare with him (Kohli) or try to fill in his shoes is relatively very tough and very hard,” Ruturaj said in the pre-match press conference.

Similarly, Gaikwad feels it is difficult to fill in the big shoes of MS Dhoni, who was his predecessor at CSK. The 27-year-old said it is crucial to take one game at a time.

“As I had said in the IPL as well, it is difficult to fill Mahi Bhai’s (MS Dhoni) shoes as well. Definitely, you want to start your career, you want to start the way you want, you want to play your own game. So, that’s the priority right now,” Ruturaj said.

“Focus on one game, focus on how you can contribute towards the team in whichever position you play and make sure you are on the winning side more often than not,” Ruturaj added.

The third T20I will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Wednesday.