Ruturaj Gaikwad’s omission from India’s T20I squad for the Bangladesh series has sparked controversy, given his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for India in T20Is. However, reports suggest that the selectors have a strategic reason for this decision: to prepare Gaikwad for a potential Test call-up during the upcoming Australia tour.
Gaikwad has amassed 633 runs in 23 T20Is for India, averaging 39.56 with one century and four fifties. Despite these numbers, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the Indian T20I team.
Sources close to the selection committee have revealed that Gaikwad is being considered as the third opener for the Australia tour. With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the first-choice openers, India lacks a backup option. Shubman Gill, who can also open, has been assigned the No. 3 spot, while Virat Kohli bats at No. 4.
The selectors believe that Gaikwad’s experience and ability to play in different conditions make him the ideal candidate for the third opener’s role. They also want him to continue playing red-ball cricket to enhance his Test credentials. This is why he has been asked to lead Rest of India (ROI) in the Irani Cup.
The decision to prioritize Gaikwad’s Test development over his T20I prospects has drawn mixed reactions. Some experts believe that it is a wise move, given India’s need for a reliable opener in Test cricket. Others argue that Gaikwad should be given more opportunities in T20Is to prove his worth.
Ultimately, the selectors’ decision will be judged based on Gaikwad’s performance in the Irani Cup and, if selected, on the Australia tour. If he can translate his T20I success into the longer format, he could cement his place in the Indian Test team for years to come.
