Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrates after scoring a fiery half-century in the third T20I. India defeated South Africa by 48 runs to keep the T20I series alive.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, India’s rising batting sensation, has spoken out about his aggressive mindset following a match-winning half-century against South Africa in the third T20I. He went on to say that it is all about showing intent. Regardless of whether a batter is facing his first or second ball or is already well set at the crease.
Following underwhelming performances in the first two games, Ruturaj rose to the occasion in the third T20I against South Africa in Vizag, scoring 57 runs off 35 deliveries at a strike rate of nearly 163. The Pune cricketer also shared a 97-run opening stand with Ishan Kishan, making the Proteas bowlers work hard for wickets.
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third T20I: Going after the bowlers had nothing to do with being reckless or making rash shots: Ruturaj Gaikwad
“Going after the bowlers had nothing to do with being reckless or playing rash shots. ” I believe we have some batting strength, and certain shots we play as individuals. “It’s about believing in ourselves and putting pressure on the bowlers,” Gaikwad said following the game.
“Just making sure you’re showing the intent, whether you’re playing first ball or second ball. You’re set, even if you’re batting at 30-40, if it’s there in your area. In your strength, you just have to go for it, that’s what the thinking is about,” he added.
Gaikwad and Ishan half-centuries, combined with finishing touches from Hardik Pandya (31*), helped India post a challenging total of 179/5.
In response, unlike the previous two games, South Africa did not get off to a fast start as the Indian bowlers applied the stranglehold and their run chase never took off. Despite the efforts of wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen (29) and Wayne Parnell (22*). The visitors were bowl out for 131 in the final over as the Men in Blue record a morale-boosting 48-run win to keep the series alive.
Meanwhile, South Africa leads the five-match series 2-1 after winning the first two games. The action now shifts to the fourth T20I on Friday, June 17 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
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