Ahead of IND vs ENG 4th T20I in Pune, a former Maharashtra captain claimed that he was surprised Ruturaj Gaikwad wasn’t included in the team despite being consistent. The CSK captain played list last international game in 2024 against Zimbabwe. Since then, he has been out of the favour of selectors. Ex-MAH captain Milind Gunjwal claimed that injustice was being meted out the players from the state, citing Gaikwad’s case.
Injustice to Ruturaj Gaikwad & Maharashtra cricketers?
As per The Indian Express, Gunjwal pointed out that there were 30 players who could play in three formats of the game and yet Gaikwad couldn’t make it to the side. He alleged that Maharashtra players were always subjected to injustice. Further, he said that he found it surprising that Gaikwad couldn’t make it to T20I or ODI squad despite performing consistently in IPL and international cricket.
”Even in those 30 players, Ruturaj can’t make it…Maharashtra players have always been subjected to injustice,” he said.
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”Ruturaj has been a consistent performer in IPL and international matches. I find it surprising and strange that he does not make it either to one dayers or T20s…It always happens with Maharashtra players. Despite their good performances, they do not get picked,” he added.
Tough competition in T20Is
There is no doubt Gaikwad is a fine player, but he’s fighting more than five players for the opening spot. Apart from two (Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma) present in the squad for the India vs. England T20I series, there is Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal as well.
Ruturaj Gaikwad T20 stats comparison vs other openers
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 139 | 4874 | 39.95 | 140.46 |
| Sanju Samson | 277 | 7293 | 29.88 | 137.03 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 124 | 3316 | 30.14 | 160.03 |
| Shubman Gill | 142 | 4471 | 36.64 | 136.72 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 100 | 2978 | 31.68 | 150.25 |
