'Don't discard him': Aakash Chopra backs Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the selectors to show patience with Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite his lackluster performance in the 1st ODI against South Africa. Gaikwad was dismissed for just eight runs as an incredible catch by Dewald Brevis at point ended his stay. The young batter was included in the side, considering the injury layoffs of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Notably, Gaikwad batted at No. 4 in the Ranchi ODI.
Position debate
Gaikwad's batting position questioned
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra highlighted that Gaikwad is an opener who is playing out of his position. He said, "I really don't understand what is going on. Ruturaj Gaikwad has never batted at No. 4 in ODIs. When he got dismissed, I urged, with folded hands that please give him three full chances. Even if he fails, don't discard him immediately."
SquadÂ
Inclusion in Playing XI
Gaikwad, primarily an opener, played a different role in the Ranchi ODI for Team India. He was tried at No. 4 only due to Iyer's unavailability. In Gill's absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings with Rohit Sharma. Notably, Gaikwad was picked ahead of Tilak Varma and Rishabh Pant in the batting order. Chopra believes no one should judge Gaikwad based on his performance in Ranchi.
Prospects
Limited opportunities for Gaikwad in ODIs
Chopra also acknowledged that while no one should judge Gaikwad as an international failure, opportunities in ODIs will be rare until the 2027 World Cup. With Rohit and Virat Kohli in the side, Gaikwad's chances of getting a spot in the immediate future look slim. He has just two innings to prove his worth or risk being replaced by someone else due to stiff competition.
Career
His List A stats
Gaikwad made his ODI debut in 2022 in Lucknow ODI against South Africa. Representing India in six ODIs, he has scored 123 runs at an average of 17.57 and a strike rate of 71.92. His only half-century in the format (71) came against Australia in the 2023 Mohali ODI. Gaikwad's ODI scores read 19, 8, 71, 8, 5, 4, and 8. Notably, the right-handed batter averages 56.77 in List A cricket.