Vijay Hazare Trophy: SAU vs MAH Highlights – In the form of his life, Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad on Friday said being consistent and converting his starts into big hundreds has been his focus as they finished runners-up in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after making their maiden final. Watch Vijay Hazare FINAL HIGHLIGHTS with InsideSport.IN.
Gaikwad slammed four hundreds from five innings including a double century to finish with 660 runs at an astounding average of 220. “I’m just trying to enjoy the game and stay in the present, looking to give good starts and then convert them into big hundreds. I’m just trying to become as consistent as possible,” Gaikwad, who was adjudged Player of the Series, said after they lost the final to Saurashtra by five wickets.
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Just trying to be as consistent as possible, says Ruturaj Gaikwad
Gaikwad suffered an injury during the season and could not play all the matches for Maharashtra. “It was important for me to get back well from injury. Had to lead from the front, being a senior player and an experienced player,” he said.
Gaikwad scored 108 from 131 balls in the final as he once again stood tall for Maharashtra to take them to 248/9. But the total was not enough as Saurashtra cruised to the target in 46.3 overs with five wickets intact. “The kind of bowling they had, and the lines/lengths they bowled, it was challenging and I was enjoying it. Had to make sure that I’m staying calm,” he said.
Gaikwad further said the wicket eased out when Saurashtra batted so it was a good toss to win for them. “There was a lot of difference in the pitch during the second innings. If we got the same conditions, things could have been
different.
“After 25 overs of our innings, the pitch eased out but we were always behind the game due to that start. We could have got to 300 or 320-330 if the surface was better from the start,” he said.
“Obviously, toss played a huge factor as we were always behind in the game. It was a 70-30 advantage with the toss but credit to the Saurashtra bowlers, they bowled really well.
“Still, 248 in the first innings was a good total. You can lose wickets upfront sometimes on these pitches but I’m proud of my team for today and all through the tournament. We have a young team, many players are playing their first final and hopefully they will all learn from this,” he said.
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Just trying to be as consistent as possible, says Ruturaj Gaikwad
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