India had an underwhelming show in the T20 World Cup this year. The men in blues failed to qualify for the knockout stage after two successive losses in the opening two matches. Thus, India are now set to take on New Zealand in a three-match T20 series and two test matches.
Recently, the squad for the upcoming series against the blackcaps was announced by the BCCI and one of the picks appreciated by the legend Sunil Gavaskar was the inclusion of Ruturaj Gaikwad.
While many big names have been rested for the series, the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja have been given a break.
Meanwhile, the team selection committee have selected players who had a good IPL season to replace the big guns. Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan have received their first call up to the Indian squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who won the IPL with Chennai Super Kings and the Orange cap holder was also drafted into the squad.
Ruturaj Gaikward back in the Indian team
Sunil Gavaskar was very excited after the squad announcement. He welcomed the selection of the players who did well in the IPL. Although he was thrilled by all the four selections, whereas he had a special remark for Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Gaikwad had an amazing season for CSK as he was not only their top run-getter, but of the entire IPL. He finished the season with 635 runs and won the Orange Cap. He batted beautifully throughout the tournament which attracted a lot of attention. His skills and mindset landed him lots of praise too, from other former players as well.
Gavaskar thinks of Gaikwad as a very good and capable batsman. Moreover, Gavaskar is certain that the opener had all the qualities in him to become a player of the Indian National team and become an integral part in all three formats.
Gavaskar said on Sports Today,
“Gaikwad is a fabulous talent. He is a talent that will serve India in all three formats of the game because he has got a range of shots and a great shot selection. He has got the technique and he shows the temperament to deal with any kind of pressure. So, I think it’s an exciting time to see how he develops as an international cricketer.”
Chance to shine
In the domestic circuit, Gaikwad plays for Maharashtra. He made his international debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Certainly, he is going to get his next opportunity to prove himself in the T20 series against New Zealand. He will play under the new T20 captain Rohit Sharma and India’s new head coach Rahul Dravid.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is for sure a very talented young batsman. His achievement itself shows how good a player he is and with former players rating him so highly, it certainly looks like he is going to be a major part of the team in the near future.
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