Hangzhou, Oct 2
Ruturaj Gaikwad, India’s captain for the men’s T20 competition in the Asian Games, said meeting various non-cricketing athletes at the games village made realise what it means to represent the country, making his side more focused towards winning the gold medal and stand on the podium.
Gaikwad will be captaining the Indian team at the Asian Games when they take on Nepal in the quarter-final clash on Tuesday, also marking the first time the men’s cricket team is participating in the multi-sport event.
"In cricket, we have the World Cup, the IPL and domestic tournaments, so we are used to that kind of atmosphere 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 and the dimensions of each sport.”
"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 got to know that how special it is — obviously we do know but it just reflected a yesterday little bit more to represent the country. Coming to the Asian Games, everyone is eager to win the gold for the country and stand up on the podium,” said Gaikwad in a video posted on bcci.tv, in a chat with reporters at the Games village.
"We all enjoyed a lot cheering for our team. Participating in Asian Games is a big opportunity and a matter of great pride for all these players to see the emotions while watching matches. I am really looking forward to this tournament,” he added.
"Obviously, yes you have to pick out some things that he does really well, how he handles situations and how he handles particular players during a match. These are the few things I have picked from him. I just want the players to express themselves, lead the way I want to and give how much freedom that I can."
"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. Growing up, we have been 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 pretty sure everyone is used to it and will adapt.”