Gaikwad will lead a youthful team in Hangzhou while the senior team is preoccupied with World Cup preparations.
“Leadership role is a very complicated thing to be honest. What Mahi bhai (Dhoni) always says is to take it one game at a time, don’t worry about the future.
“Everyone creates hype and whatever it is. I am not the kind of person who tracks social media and hear things about what anyone is saying about me.
“I think this is one of the traits that I have learned at CSK. I am pretty much clear about giving my best in the field, coming back home, chilling with my friends,” he told reporters after India’s 33-run win over Ireland in the second T20 on Sunday.
The right-hander, who spent the majority of the West Indies tour warming up the bench, is opening in the T20Is against Ireland. After a slow start, he scored 58 off 43 balls to win the game.
“Due to the overnight rain, the wicket was slightly damp and on the slower side. Back of length was difficult to hit on this wicket, even the slower ones and cutters were difficult to hit.
“Being an opener I have the luxury to eat up some balls upfront, 10-15 balls and come back and cover. Batters coming in usually have less overs left so you can’t have too many dot balls. Being an opener you get enough time to assess the wicket.”
The Ireland series is especially important to him because he rarely gets to play.
“It is very important. It is very different when you play from the first game itself (rather than getting an odd game in a series). You come in with lot of confidence, lot of preparation and the right mindset.
“At the same time there is no space in the main team as there are batters doing really well. It is a mixed feeling. It was a great opportunity and one more game to go.”
(With PTI inputs)
