Asian Games 2023: Ruturaj Gaikwad says he looks up to MS Dhoni for inspiration, but has his own style of captaincy

Ruturaj Gaikwad is gearing up to lead India in a major event for the first time in his career with the Men in Blue set to begin their Asian Games 2023 campaign in Hangzhou against Nepal on Tuesday.

Gaikwad will be looking up to MS Dhoni, captain of the Chennai Super Kings franchise that he is part of in the Indian Premier League (IPL), for inspiration as far as leadership is concerned.

The Maharashtra wicketkeeper-batter though, insisted that while he has learnt a lot from Dhoni from his time at CSK, he has his own style of leadership.

“I got to learn a lot of things from him (Dhoni) but every person has a different style. His style is different, his personality is different and my personality is a bit different,” Gaikwad told the media in Hangzhou ahead of India’s first game.

“I will try to be myself and not really look at what he usually does. Obviously, yes you have to pick out some things which he does really well, how he handles situations and how he handles particular players during a match.

“Obviously, these are (a) few things I really took from him, but I would like to lead the way I want to. I just want the players to express themselves and give how much ever freedom that I can.”

The men’s team begins its maiden Asian Games campaign in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led women’s team had earlier clinched gold for the first time ever after beating Sri Lanka in the final.

Read | Titas Sadhu reveals the key to India winning women’s cricket gold

India coach VVS Laxman said it would be a unique experience playing cricket in China.

“It is a much different setup,” Laxman said. “We (would) have not even thought that we will come and play cricket in China. It is a great opportunity for the entire team.

“Participating in Asian Games is a big opportunity and a matter of great pride for all these players. I am really looking forward to this tournament.”

Gaikwad said the players are eager to win the gold medal like their women counterparts.

“Coming to the Asian Games, everyone is eager to win the gold for the country and stand up on the podium,” he said.

“In cricket, we have the World Cup, the IPL and domestic tournaments. We are used to that kind of environment and situations. But coming here and going to the village, we really got to know about the athletes what kinds of struggle they go through,” he said.

“Hardly (in) 2-3 years or four years (that) they get an opportunity to play for the country and represent it. We took a lot of pride from yesterday’s visit (to the Games’ village) and obviously got to know how special it is obviously we do know but it just reflected a little bit more to represent the country.”

Gaikwad said the Indian players cherished watching other athletes in action.

“It was a really great chance to see our country play across various sports such as badminton, tennis or even hockey. It was a matter of great pride. We enjoyed a lot cheering for our team,” he said.

All matches of the Asian Games are accorded international status and Nepal setting several records against Mongolia also came up for discussion, especially the ground dimensions.

Gaikward said his players are used to all kinds of fields.

“Everyone, throughout their careers, be it domestic or anything (else), has gone through such dimensions on the cricket ground and I think they are all used to it,” he said.

“Growing up, usually playing on these kind of grounds and even (in) local cricket, many games, more than 100 games on these kind of grounds. I am sure everyone is used to it and will adapt.”