“Ruturaj Gaikwad was shoulder to shoulder with Virat Kohli” - Irfan Pathan heaps praise on India’s No.4 batter

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on the Indian No.4 ODI batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored his maiden ODI century in the second match of the three-match series against South Africa on Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur.

Advertisment

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer reckoned that Gaikwad was shoulder to shoulder with the Indian talismanic batter Virat Kohli in terms of running between the wickets and his range of shots. 

"It seemed like Ruturaj Gaikwad was shoulder to shoulder with Virat Kohli. Gaikwad’s running between the wickets was sensational. Kohli enjoyed batting with Gaikwad. Gaikwad failed in the first game, and he got an opportunity again and seized it well. He has never batted at number four. He deserves praise for his chanceless batting,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel. 

“The biggest thing is he can play over covers against the left-arm spinner, he can play square cut against off-spinners, can play sweep against left-arm spinners, can play lap shot against spinners, can play pull off the back foot against both spinners and fast bowlers,” he added.

"Finally, he can step out to spinners and play straight. The range of shots shows his potential as a batter. Gaikwad has seized his opportunity fully, and I hope he reigns supreme for a long time. The way he ran between the wickets and hit the century, it was shoulder to shoulder with Kohli. It was outstanding to see them bat together," he concluded.

Playing only his eighth ODI, Gaikwad went on to smack a beautiful 102-run knock off 93 balls with seven fours and two sixes as India posted a daunting total of 358/5 in 50 overs. However, the target wasn't enough for India as South Africa chased down in 49.2 overs with four wickets in hand. Aiden Markram was the star of the show with a 110-run knock off 98 balls.

The three-match ODI series is currently levelled at 1-1.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!

Advertisment