Speaking to PTI, Gaikwad said adaptability is one his strengths as a batsman. He stated, "Be it in an attacking manner or be it playing according to situation, taking some time or making sure your team crosses the line, the way I adapt to both situations, that is what I think my strength is more often."
The right-hander also expressed excitement at reconnecting with the great Rahul Dravid, who had coached the cricketer was he was part of the India A squad. Gaikwad said about the Lanka tour and Dravid, "The opportunities would be limited but I'm just looking forward to learn from this journey as much as I can. There are experienced players in the group and obviously once again I will get a chance to reconnect with Rahul Sir," he said.
"The last India A tour happened one and half years ago, so again, there is a chance to regroup with him (Rahul Dravid) have a chat about the game, so there is lot more than just performance or scorecard.”
Gaikwad has played 21 first-class and 59 List A games, in which he has scored 1349 and 2681 runs respectively. In the T20 format, he has 1337 runs at a strike rate of 130.43. He further added that he would give his best for a country, if given a chance.
"Obviously if I get opportunity, just hoping that I can give my best and wish to win a game for India. One of my biggest goals is to get a win for the Indian team or my country," he added.
The 24-year-old also admitted that playing alongside the likes of Faf du Plessis and Mahendra Singh Dhoni in CSK has been a big learning curve for him. Gaikwad explained, "I think with Mahi Bhai, obviously whatever he speaks it is always eye-catching and I had heard that he spoke about me in the post-match presentation and all, I don't talk much with him, he knows that I'm a quiet and shy guy."
--By A Cricket Correspondent