T20 series win is something to give fans to cheer about after disappointing World Cup loss in final, says Ruturaj Gaikwad

India's "fearless and aggressive" approach helped them secure the T20I series against Australia. Ruturaj Gaikwad said the win gave fans something to cheer after World Cup loss. He learnt T20 cricket under MS Dhoni and had good opening partnerships with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gaikwad and Jaiswal discussed taking risks and focusing on boundaries.

Dashing opener Ruturaj Gaikwad said India's "fearless and aggressive" approach helped them secure the five-match T20I series against Australia and hoped the triumph would give fans something to cheer about after India's heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup final.

India on December 1 defeated Australia by 20 runs in the fourth T20I to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

"I think this is something to be happy for everyone after the disappointing loss in the final of the World Cup," Gaikwad, who scored 28-ball 32 to help India post 174 for nine, said.

"I think it was important for all of us to express ourselves and enjoy the game. I think everyone pretty much took responsibility at every stage. So, we are really happy with the result, but there’s still one match to go." Asked what was the discussion after the World Cup disappointment, Gaikwad, who was the vice-captain for the first three T20Is, said: "The discussion was more or less to just be fearless and aggressive and back your instincts at every stage. There were 2-3 members from the World Cup squad who were with us.

"There was positive energy in the team because we were coming from domestic tournaments, and everyone had done pretty well there. Everyone came in with a lot of confidence."

Gaikwad said he has learnt the ropes of T20 cricket under the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni during his stint with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

"I learnt a lot about this format playing for CSK. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is always keen on reading situations and understanding the game," said the 26-year-old, who has been with CSK since the 2019 IPL season.