Delighted to captain India, the talented 26-year-old said the target will be to win the gold medal and ensure India’s national anthem is played on the podium.
The men’s cricket event at the Asian Games will take place from October 28-8 and will be in T20 format.
“The dream will be to win a gold medal, stand on the podium and listen to the country’s national anthem,” Gaikwad said in a video posted by BCCI.
The 26-year-old, who is currently part of the West Indies Tour Test Squad, was part of India’s white ball lineup and played one ODI and nine T20Is.
As the Asian Games coincide with the ODI World Cup, the BCCI has named a second-tier Indian team for the continental event in Hangzhou.
“I think this opportunity is something special and we will be playing a brand of cricket that would make everyone at home proud,” he said.
“It will be really exciting to be part of the team to represent the country at the Asian Games and win the medal for the country.
“It’s something we always watched on TV growing up, seeing athletes win for the country. To have an opportunity, to go out there and win the medal will be really, really special.”
“Playing for India itself is truly a sense of pride, and leading the team in such a big event will be a great opportunity for me personally, as well as for all the team members who are alongside me. “
With India in a transition phase, it will be a great opportunity for Maharashtra’s ‘running machine’ to show its mettle.
Cricket is played at the Asian Games for the first time since 2014, when India did not participate. This time, India will field both men’s and women’s teams.
(With PTI entries)
