Former Player VVS Laxman suggests Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India will be his favorites for the gold medal in Men’s Cricket in the Asian Games 2023 at Hangzhou.
Ruturaj on MS Dhoni’s leadership skills
Indian batter Ruturaj said that he has learned a lot from the former skipper MS Dhoni. He said he wanted to know more about his unique leadership approach. With India participating in the Asian Games cricket for the first time, the women’s team won the gold medal, and the Men’s team is also looking forward to another gold medal.
With the men’s team scheduled to play in the quarter-finals of the event, Ruturaj said, “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.”
“I will try to be myself and not really look at what he usually does. 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.
The head coach VVS Laxman said that it was a unique experience playing cricket in China. “Obviously, these are (a) 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 freedom that I can.” India coach VVS Laxman said.
“It is a much different setup,” Laxman said. “We (would) have not even thought that we would 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.” said Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“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 situation. 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 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.
“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 kinds of grounds and even (in) local cricket, many games, more than 100 games on these kinds of grounds. I am sure everyone is used to it and will adapt.”
India is set to play against Nepal in the quarter-finals of the Asian Games 2023 on October 3 at Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field.
