In T20s you always have to be ahead of the game mentally: Ruturaj Gaikwad

India have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match T20I series against Australia, and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has played a key role thus far. He spoke to JioCinema experts Simon Katich and Abhishek Nayar in Raipur, post the fourth match on Friday. Excerpts: 

On what the series win means for India 

I think this is something to be happy for everyone after the disappointing loss in the final of the World Cup. I think it was important for all of us to express ourselves and enjoy the game. And, I think everyone pretty much took responsibility at every stage. So, we are really happy with the result, but there’s still one match to go. 

On discussions that the team had after the World Cup disappointment 

The discussion was more or less to just be fearless and aggressive and back your instincts at every stage. There were 2-3 members from the World Cup squad who were with us. There was positive energy in the team because we were coming from domestic tournaments, and everyone had done pretty well there. Everyone came in with a lot of confidence. 

On his opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal 

After the first match, we decided that we’d be off from risky singles. We’ll just look for boundaries. He’s someone who takes the game on and regardless of any situation, he likes to be aggressive. The discussion has always been that if the wicket is suitable, we’ll go with a positive intent. But I think the focus is taking care of the first two overs.  

On the reaction to the mix-up with Yashasvi in the first match 

After he got out, he was walking in and he immediately said sorry. I said it’s ok, it happens and it was maybe a mistake. I think mistakes do happen, so I am fine with that. 

On getting to play a lesser number of balls when partnering with Yashasvi in the power play 

I don’t think that it affects me because I am a player who looks at the team’s score. So if he plays three overs and scores 25, I am totally fine with that, as long as the team’s score is not getting affected.  

On his tempo in T20 cricket 

I learnt a lot about this format playing for CSK. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is always keen on reading situations and understanding the game. He sends a message that you have to look for the team score and what the team requires irrespective of the situation of the game.  

On your preparations ahead of a series 

In T20s you always have to be ahead of the game mentally and I give a lot of importance to that. The night before, I visualise what kind of situation may occur during the game, how the pitch may behave. Mahi bhai always insists that we don’t rush our thoughts, because there’s enough time for an opener even in a T20 match.