IND vs NZ: India’s selectors surprised everyone when they named the ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. Leaving out Ruturaj Gaikwad felt especially unfair to many fans. His recent performances surely earned him a spot.
The Maharashtra batter recently hit a brilliant first ODI century against South Africa in Raipur. He smashed 105 runs off just 83 balls. That knock proved he had the timing and calm head needed for this level. Even so, the selectors ignored the CSK captain after that match-winning show. They chose to bring back Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant instead.
Gaikwad’s time with the national team often feels unstable. He rarely gets a long run in the starting eleven. So, he usually sits on the bench or fills in as an opener when needed. Gaikwad's record in domestic one-dayers is excellent.
The CSK batter's recent scores in the Vijay Hazare Trophy proved he is ready. Critics say that cutting a player right after a century sends a bad message. This move shows that the bosses value seniority over current form.
Shreyas Iyer just walks back into the team after his injury. Following the incumbent rule so strictly puts players like Gaikwad in a tough spot. It means they have to put up massive numbers just to stay in the mix.
What did Ravichandran Ashwin say about picking Rishabh Pant over Ruturaj Gaikwad?
Ravichandran Ashwin talked about this controversial pick on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat. The veteran spinner loves to break down the game. He looked at the decision from every angle. The former Indian off-spinner specifically focused on the fight for the middle-order position.
The former CSK man backed Gaikwad as the right fit for the number four or five spot. Also, he pointed out strengths that many selectors often miss because they only look for big hitters.
“Could Gaikwad have been kept in the squad? I think that was a real possibility. The only spot of contention is between Pant and Gaikwad. It was a straight decision. At four or five, I am sticking my neck out, his batting against spin and ability to run between wickets and close out an innings is phenomenal. I personally don’t think Pant can bat in the middle-order in white-ball cricket at the moment. I think he is a top-three batter", Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.
Ashwin’s take was direct and focused on the data. This support from a smart player like Ashwin proves Gaikwad can adapt. Ashwin also argued that Rishabh Pant plays better in the top three for white-ball games. He doubted whether Pant works as well in the middle order compared to Gaikwad’s specific skills.
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Looking towards the 2027 World Cup, Gaikwad has a hard path ahead. He has to wait for his turn. The CSK captain will probably have to wait for older stars to retire. Still, if he keeps scoring at the domestic level, the selectors cannot ignore him forever.
