Ruturaj Gaikwad says visiting Asian games village help them understand what does it mean to represent India | Cricket News

The Indian cricket team are staying in a hotel in Hangzhou, but on Tuesday morning they visited the Asian Games village and met the Indian contingent.
India captain Ruturaj Gaikwad says meeting the athletes at games villages made them understands what does it mean to represent India and how it has made the team more focused towards winning the gold medal like their women’s counterparts.
“In cricket, we have the World Cup, the IPL and domestic tournaments. We are used to that kind of environment and situations. But coming here and going to the village, we really got to know about the athletes — what kinds of struggle they go through,” he told reporters.

“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.”
In the last couple of days the Indian cricket team can be seen cheering for the hockey and badminton team from the sidelines and Gaikwad said the Indian players cherished watching other athletes in action.

“It was a really great chance to see our country play across 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.
“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.”
“Coming to the Asian Games, everyone is eager to win the gold for the country and stand up on the podium,” he said.
India will take on Nepal on Tuesday. The Indian captain is not worried about the ground dimensions at the Hangzhou.
“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.Most Read
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“Growing up, usually playing on these kind of grounds and even (in) local cricket, many games, more than 100 games on these kind of grounds. I am sure everyone is used to it and will adapt.”

Ruturaj also highlighted how the volunteers have approached to them and asked for autographs.
“A really cute gesture from them becasue I don’t think they really us or know ahout our career personally. Just knowing that you are something big in your country and they just come and ask for the autographs for whatever it is. It has been beautiful experience throughout the time we have been here,” he said.