Gaikwad slammed 4 hundred from 5 innings together with a double century to complete with 660 runs at an astounding common of 220.

“I’m just trying to enjoy the game and stay in the present, looking to give good starts and then convert them into big hundreds. I’m just trying to become as consistent as possible,” Gaikwad, who was adjudged Player of the Series, mentioned after they misplaced the ultimate to Saurashtra by 5 wickets.

Gaikwad suffered an harm throughout the season and couldn’t play all of the matches for Maharashtra.

“It was important for me to get back well from injury. Had to lead from the front, being a senior player and an experienced player,” he mentioned.

Gaikwad scored 108 from 131 balls within the closing as he as soon as once more stood tall for Maharashtra to take them to 248/9. But the full was not sufficient as Saurashtra cruised to the goal in 46.3 overs with 5 wickets intact.

“The kind of bowling they had, and the lines/lengths they bowled, it was challenging and I was enjoying it. Had to make sure that I’m staying calm,” he mentioned.

Gaikwad additional mentioned the wicket eased out when Saurashtra batted so it was a very good toss to win for them.

“There was a whole lot of distinction within the pitch throughout the second innings. If we bought the identical circumstances, issues may have been totally different.

“After 25 overs of our innings, the pitch eased out but we were always behind the game due to that start. We could have got to 300 or 320-330 if the surface was better from the start,” he mentioned.

“Obviously, toss performed an enormous issue as we had been all the time behind within the sport. It was a 70-30 benefit with the toss however credit score to the Saurashtra bowlers, they bowled very well.

“Still, 248 in the first innings was a good total. You can lose wickets upfront sometimes on these pitches but I’m proud of the my team for today and all through the tournament. We have a young team, many players are playing their first final and hopefully they will all learn from this,” he mentioned.

Having led Saurashtra to their second title in home cricket, Jaydev Unadkat, who was instrumental of their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in 2020, termed this an “unbelievable feeling”.

“Yet to sink in that we are the champions,” Unadkat mentioned as Saurashtra received their second Vijay Hazare Trophy. They first received it in 2008 after defeating Bengal.

“When you get one (domestic) title, it feels good but to do it second time shows that you are a champion side.” The left-arm pacer had an incredible spell within the Powerplay as Maharashtra had a gradual begin earlier than Chirag Jani’s hat-trick within the slog overs restricted them beneath 250.

“I’ve been looking to set the tone but it’s not about one guy at all. We need people to step up at different times and that’s what we have got. We have match-winners and credit goes to all of them,” Unadkat, who returned with a tidy 1/25, added.

“Chirag Jani has been excellent and if there is one player in the side who deserves to play at the highest level, it’s him.” He had particular reward for Sheldon Jackson who shepherded their run chase with a splendid 136-ball 133 not out.

“Wasn’t in kind however the best way he batted at the moment reveals that he belongs to this stage and likewise the very best stage.
“There is a superb camaraderie in our staff and that’s actually good for us. Credit to Rutu for the best way he batted and the best way his staff performed.

“Winning a domestic trophy is never easy, I know it after being here for a decade. So a lot of credit to the entire team and support staff,” Unadkat mentioned.

Struggling for kind, Jackson had simply 40 runs from his final 4 innings as he reserved his greatest for the massive stage.
“Credit goes to your complete staff and administration for backing me, as a result of I used to be failing all match and didn’t really need to get an opportunity at the moment.

“So credit to those who backed me. Yes, experience counts, but what’s the point if you aren’t scoring runs. Plan was not to lose wickets upfront,” he mentioned.