IND vs SA 2025: 'Privilege to have that kind of confidence from the management' - Ruturaj Gaikwad opens up on adapting to No. 4 position

Ruturaj Gaikwad has shed light on the backing he has received from head coach Gautam Gambhir and the management for batting at No. 4 position during the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. Ruturaj capitalised on his start in the Raipur ODI to register a fine century after getting dismissed for just 8 in the series-opening clash in Ranchi.

Ruturaj said that he will be aim to carry forward the momentum in the decider in Visakhapatnam on December 6. He also disclosed that Gambhir advised him to just enjoy his time and stick to the basics.

"I was told that I will bat at number four this series and was encouraged to enjoy my game. I feel it is a privilege to have that kind of confidence from the 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," stated Ruturaj, as quoted by India Today.

Ruturaj revealed that it has always been his objective to bat long in the 50-over format after getting off to a start. He also shared that he had a lot of self-doubt after not having the best List A domestic season the last time around.

"In the ODI format, even while I was opening, I always wanted to bat till 40-45 overs and capitalize after that. I know how to play 11-40 overs and rotate strike, find my boundary options. I wasn't able to do much in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy edition and had a lot of things going in my mind. I thought for this year, my thought was to stay consistent with runs, be it in club cricket, white-ball or red-ball cricket. If I get a chance, well and good. Otherwise, still well and good," he added.

Gaikwad's 83-ball 105 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium was the highest score for India. The Men in Blue posted 358/5 on the board on the back of centuries from Ruturaj and Virat Kohli. The duo stitched a 156-ball 195-run stand for the third wicket. 

Despite such batting efforts, the hosts failed to defend the total. The Proteas, carried by Aiden Markram's ton and valuable contributions in the middle, aced the chase to level the series. The series-deciding third ODI will be played in Visakhapatnam on December 6.