Following the three-match Test series against New Zealand, India will travel to South Africa for a four-match T20I series starting November 8 in Durban and then five Tests against Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, or BCCI, released both squads on October 25, but left out Gaikwad who has a T20I century. Instead of joining the senior team, he will captain India A in two four-day matches against Australia A, followed by a practice match against the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Ignored Despite Performing Well
Gaikwad has been extremely great with bat, his most recent century came against Mumbai on October 18 when he further went on to score 145 runs off 171 balls. Bit despite his stellar performances he has been ignored by the selectors.
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Former Indian player Krishnamachari Srikkanth, was in stunned disbelief after the decision was made by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to not pick Ruturaj Gaikwad for the Tests against Australia later this year, he’ll also be missing out T20I series against South Africa. Srikkanth on his YouTube channel, went all guns blazing about Agarkar asking that what rationale was followed as Gaikwad who was producing great performances not only in domestic cricket but was also doing great things with Chennai Super Kings in IPL was left out of the squad.
Srikkanth Questions Agarkar For Not Picking Gaikwad
“For Ruturaj, I don’t understand at all. Poor fellow! What will he do? If he scores a century, then they can take him back into the T20I squad, right? He scored two first-class centuries but still didn’t get a chance. He got scores to back him up. Where should that guy be going now?” Srikkanth asked.
“Abhimanyu Easwaran’s performance has been brilliant. I’m not questioning that. But what are you doing with Ruturaj? Why aren’t they twirling around with him? What’s the plan? Let them do what they want with him. Just look at the mindset of that kid and tell me what he should be doing in this match against you guys. He keeps on hitting the opponents all day long, but then, when it comes to international cricket, you leave him behind. And when they give him a chance, it’s for the Rest of India, or India A,” he said.
Also Read: Australia Announces Squad For T20I Series Against Pakistan, Captain Yet To Be Named
Ruturaj Gaikwad Career
ODIs- He has scored 115 runs in 6 matches, this includes one half-century
T20Is- Gaikwad has scored 633 runs in 23 matches, this includes one century and four half-centuries
FC- In 35 matches Gaikwad has scored 2513 runs, this includes 7 centuries and 13 half centuries
IPL- Ruturaj has been excellent in IPL as he has scored 2380 runs in 66 matches. This includes 2 centuries and 18 half-centuries, he has an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 136.86
