Ruturaj Gaikwad Opens Up On Gambhir’s Pep Talk That Preceded His No.4 Push

The decision to move Ruturaj Gaikwad down the order from opening to No. 4 ahead of the recent ODI against South Africa national cricket team was bold but it came with a clear message from head coach Gautam Gambhir , one that Gaikwad says fueled his confidence.

Gaikwad explained that the call to bat at number four was communicated by Gambhir himself. According to the batter, the coach told him: “Just enjoy your game and play your natural game.” That simple guidance was more than words; it was a sign of trust. Gaikwad said that being asked to bat at No. 4 felt like a privilege, and that the freedom to play his natural game took pressure off him.

In the match that followed, Gaikwad delivered. He scored a stunning 105 in the ODIs, his maiden one-day international hundred while batting at No. 4. Facing 83 balls, he smashed 12 boundaries and two sixes, demonstrating that the positional change and Gambhir’s words had unlocked something special.

Gaikwad also shared that his mindset remained largely unchanged even when he was opening. He always planned to bat deep into the innings, rotating strike early, building the innings patiently, and then find boundary options later once set. The shift to No. 4 merely aligned seamlessly with his natural approach. For many critics, the change in his batting order could have meant added uncertainty and added pressure. But Gambhir’s pep talk handed back the control to Gaikwad over his game, his approach, and his confidence. That confidence translated to performance under pressure and converted opportunity into success.

Cricket analysts and former players have since praised the gamble. Gaikwad’s century at No. 4 is being hailed as justification for flexible batting roles and underscores the value of clarity, trust, and psychological freedom in high-pressure formats.

The episode offers a subtle yet powerful lesson about leadership in sports: sometimes, it isn’t complicated strategies or micromanagement that get the best out of players, but trust, clarity, and believing in their natural game. Gambhir’s message to Gaikwad crystallised just that: trust the player, give him clarity and then let him play.