<p>Since joining the already potent Indian batting order for the Twenty20 Internationals, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in extraordinary touch. India’s bold and aggressive strategy to winning a decisive victory over Australia in the five-match Twenty20 International series was greatly aided by the explosive opener.</p>
<p><img decoding=”async” class=”alignnone wp-image-295224″ src=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/theindiaprint.com-ruturaj-gaikwad-shares-how-ms-dhoni-inspired-him-to-advance-his-game-understanding-750×563.jpg” alt=”theindiaprint.com ruturaj gaikwad shares how ms dhoni inspired him to advance his game understanding” width=”1313″ height=”986″ title=”Ruturaj Gaikwad Shares How MS Dhoni Inspired Him to Advance His Game Understanding: "Mahi Bhai Always Insists…" 9″ srcset=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/theindiaprint.com-ruturaj-gaikwad-shares-how-ms-dhoni-inspired-him-to-advance-his-game-understanding-750×563.jpg 750w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/theindiaprint.com-ruturaj-gaikwad-shares-how-ms-dhoni-inspired-him-to-advance-his-game-understanding-768×576.jpg 768w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/theindiaprint.com-ruturaj-gaikwad-shares-how-ms-dhoni-inspired-him-to-advance-his-game-understanding-150×113.jpg 150w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/theindiaprint.com-ruturaj-gaikwad-shares-how-ms-dhoni-inspired-him-to-advance-his-game-understanding.jpg 1024w” sizes=”(max-width: 1313px) 100vw, 1313px” /></p>
<p>Gaikwad has amassed 490 runs at an outstanding average of 37.69 in 18 T20 International innings. His best score of 123 came against Australia in the third T20I.</p>
<p>Gaikwad attributed his T20I batting style to his friendship with the late Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was a player for the Indian Premier League’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) (IPL). Gaikwad joined CSK for the 2019 Indian Premier League season.</p>
<p>“Playing for CSK taught me a lot about this format. After the game on Jio Cinema, Gaikwad stated, “Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is always keen on reading situations and understanding the game.”</p>
<p>Gaikwad claims that Dhoni’s advice to concentrate on the team total and the group needs regardless of the game circumstances has greatly influenced his thinking in T20s.</p>
<p>“In T20s, mental preparation is crucial, and I place a great deal of emphasis on it. I imagined what would happen during the game and how the pitch might act the night before,” Gaikwad said.</p>
<p>“Mahi bhai always insists that we don’t rush our thoughts, because there’s enough time for an opener even in a T20 match,” the 26-year-old said.</p>
<p>Reflecting on the World Cup setback, Gaikwad was instrumental in India’s victory, striking a quick 32 off 28 balls in the fourth Twenty20 International.</p>
<p>“I think this is something to be happy for everyone after the disappointing loss in the final of the World Cup,” Gaikwad said.</p>
<p>“I believe it was crucial that we all have fun with the game and express ourselves. I believe that accountability was taken on by everybody at every turn. Thus, although we are really pleased with the outcome, one more match remains,” he said.</p>
<p>The victory against Australia has cheered Indian cricket supporters, who were devastated by the country’s defeat in the ODI World Cup final. India’s 20-run victory in the 4th Twenty20 International at Raipur gave them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. On December 3, they will play the last Twenty20 International of the series in Bengaluru against the Kangaroos.</p>
