While Ruturaj Gaikwad was part of India’s squad for their home series against Australia, he is not in the scheme of things for the team’s World Cup campaign. The ODI World Cup 2023 is all set to commence on October 5 with India’s first match scheduled against Australia on October 8. Instead, Gaikwad has been appointed as the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team that will be competing for a gold medal in the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou in China.

Ahead of his departure to China for the continental event, Gaikwad was spotted seeking the blessing of Lord Ganesha in Pune. His wife can also be seen accompanying him several videos and pictures going viral on social media.

Take a look:

Ruturaj Gaikwad at Shreemant Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandir Pune. pic.twitter.com/J1hhpRWW6r

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 26, 2023

Ruturaj Gaikwad and his wife seeking blessings at Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir ahead of the Asian Games ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rXQfhaFxOJ

— Yash (@CSKYash_) September 26, 2023

Meanwhile, Gaikwad has already made his intentions clear by suggesting that he wants tl lead the country to a gold medal win. He will be inspired by the women’s cricket team who have already managed to strike gold by beating Sri Lanka in the final. The women’s team’s achievement was lauded by PM Narendra Modi. 

“The women’s cricket team makes us proud!  Congratulations to them on winning the Gold and that too in their debut Asian Games. They have played wonderfully.  Their incredible dedication and dexterity were on full display. Best wishes for their future endeavours,” he posted on X.

The women’s cricket team makes us proud!

Congratulations to them on winning the Gold and that too in their debut Asian Games.

They have played wonderfully.
Their incredible dedication and dexterity were on full display.

Best wishes for their future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/iAAsZqkI5T

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2023