The recent announcement of India's squad for the upcoming One-Day International series has sparked significant discussion, primarily centered around the omission of opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad. The decision by the national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has drawn a pointed reaction from a former Indian cricketer, who labeled the move as "very tough" on the talented Maharashtra batsman.
A Surprising Exclusion from the ODI Setup
Despite being a regular feature in India's T20I plans and part of the recent Asian Games squad, Ruturaj Gaikwad found himself left out when the selectors named the team for the three-match ODI series. This omission comes even as the team management looks to finalize its core group ahead of major tournaments. The former India player, weighing in on the decision, expressed sympathy for Gaikwad, suggesting the batter has been hard done by the selectors' call.
The ex-cricketer highlighted Gaikwad's consistent performances in the opportunities he has received. He pointed out that the opener has rarely put a foot wrong in the blue jersey, making his exclusion seem particularly harsh. This sentiment echoes among a section of fans and analysts who believe Gaikwad has done enough to warrant a more extended run in the 50-over format.
The Selection Conundrum and Crowded Top Order
The primary challenge for Ruturaj Gaikwad remains the intense competition for top-order slots in the Indian team. The ODI squad continues to feature established stars like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, leaving limited room for newcomers. Furthermore, the selection committee appears to be rewarding players like KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan for their versatility and recent form, adding to the congestion.
The former cricketer acknowledged this logjam but maintained that Gaikwad's pure batting talent and technique should have earned him a spot. He argued that in the build-up to future ICC events, the team should be identifying and backing specific talents, and Gaikwad, with his elegant stroke-play and calm demeanor, fits the bill perfectly for the ODI format.
The selection meeting took place on January 4, 2026, and the announced squad is set to represent India in the imminent series. The debate surrounding Gaikwad's absence underscores the difficult choices the Ajit Agarkar-led panel has to make amidst an abundance of riches in Indian batting.
What Lies Ahead for Ruturaj Gaikwad?
For now, Ruturaj Gaikwad's immediate focus will likely shift back to domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, where he captains the Chennai Super Kings. Consistent heavy scoring in these arenas remains the most potent way for any player to force their way back into national contention. The 'very tough' omission, as termed by the former star, will serve as a critical test of the young batter's resilience and determination.
The former cricketer concluded that such decisions, while part and parcel of professional sport, need to be communicated clearly to the player. He expressed hope that the team management has conveyed the specific areas Gaikwad needs to work on to reclaim his place in the Indian ODI team. The coming months will be crucial for Gaikwad as he aims to prove the selectors wrong and mount a compelling case for a national recall.
