It means a lot to Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead India at the Asian Games, and he has made it clear that winning gold and hearing India’s national anthem at the medal ceremony are top priorities.
It means a lot to Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead India at the Asian Games, and he has made it clear that winning gold and hearing India’s national anthem at the medal ceremony are top priorities. Since the ODI World Cup would be going on at the same time as the Asian Games, the BCCI has sent a second-string side to compete in Hangzhou. The dates for the men’s cricket tournament are September 28th through October 8th. Twenty-twenty style. Gaikwad, who was selected captain of the side on Friday night, said in a video uploaded by the BCCI, “The dream will be to win a gold medal, stand on the podium, and listen to the National anthem for the country.”
The 26-year-old has been a member of India’s white-ball setup and has played one One Day International and nine Twenty20 Internationals. He is currently on tour with the Test team in the West Indies.
Now that India is in a period of transformation, the ‘run-machine’ from Maharashtra has a great chance to prove himself.
“I think this opportunity is something special, and we will play a brand of cricket that would make everyone back home proud,” he said.
To compete in the Asian Games and bring home a medal for one’s country is a thrilling prospect.
We used to sit around the TV and cheer on our country’s athletes as they took home the gold. It would be incredible to get the chance to compete and bring home the gold medal.
“Playing for India itself is really a proud feeling,” he said, “and leading the side in such a big event, will be a great opportunity for me personally, and also for all the team members who are… alongside me.”
Since India sat out the last Asian Games in 2014, cricket has not been contested there. India is sending both men’s and women’s teams this time around.
