Ruturaj Gaikwad’s omission from India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series might look harsh on paper, especially after the 28-year-old finally cracked his maiden international hundred just weeks ago. But if Ravichandran Ashwin is to be believed, this is less about Gaikwad’s form and about patience and timing.
India’s ODI batting order remains locked behind generational pillars. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still occupy two of the most immovable spots in world cricket, with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer firmly entrenched alongside them. For someone like Gaikwad, even an average of 57 in List A cricket and a century against South Africa are not always enough.
Reality check for Ruturaj Gaikwad in current era
Gaikwad’s long wait finally ended in November when injuries forced the door open. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer were ruled out of the South Africa series, handing Gaikwad an opportunity at No.4 while Yashasvi Jaiswal took the other vacant spot. It quickly became a straight shootout for the backup role.
Gaikwad seized the moment. He struck a composed 105 in the second ODI, showing the adaptability India value so highly. Jaiswal, meanwhile, struggled initially but exploded with an unbeaten century in the final game.
When Gill and Iyer were set to return, one of them had to make way. It was Gaikwad, who didn’t get the rub of the green as Jaiswal got the nod and Rishabh Pant continued as backup keeper. Ashwin’s assessment was brutally honest. “Ruturaj will get a long rope only when Rohit and Kohli decide to hang up their boots. Till then, getting a long run for him is going to be hard.”
Shreyas Iyer nearing full fitness and Shubman Gill restored, Gaikwad was dropped from the New Zealand ODI squad along with Dhruv Jurel and Tilak Varma. Iyer’s return is subject to fitness clearance after a Vijay Hazare Trophy outing on January 6, but the message was made. Gaikwad’s problem is not runs. It is space. India simply do not have enough top-order vacancies. Feel for Devdutt Padikkal as well, who is even behind Gaikwad in the reckoning for an ODI spot despite having an improbable average of 83.38 and four centuries in five Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 appearances.
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