Former India star Wasim Jaffer has shared his thoughts on the Men in Blues team selection ahead of the upcoming 3-match ODI series against West Indies. Swashbuckling opener Shikhar Dhawan is all set to captain the team with many first-choice players rested for this series. Amidst the opportunity for fringe players, Jaffer feels Ruturaj Gaikwad should be given the opportunity to feature in this upcoming ODI series against the Caribbean outfit.
The veteran opener has shared why Gaikwad should be given his ODI debut cap by pointing out the young batters’ prolific record in List A games. Wasim Jaffer tweeted, “I think Ruturaj should make his ODI debut and open with Shikhar in the WI series. Ruturaj scored 4 tons in 5 inns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, deserves a look in. Also, the left-right combo stays. #WIvIND.”
I think Ruturaj should make his ODI debut and open with Shikhar in the WI series. Ruturaj scored 4 tons in 5 inns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, deserves a look in. Also left-right combo stays. #WIvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 21, 2022
Wasim Jaffer ‘s thoughts are backed by stats as Gaikwad averages over 54.73 in List A games having scored 3284 runs in 64 outings. He also scored four centuries in the five innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 amassing 603 runs from five innings in that season.
The 25-year-old batter made his T20I debut during the India vs Sri Lanka clash last year. Since then, he has been around the national team set up for the shortest format of the game. Ruturaj Gaikwad was recently seen in the 5-match T20I series during South Africa’s tour to India.
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However, the young batter did not fare out well and missed the chance to be a part of the England white ball series. Despite all the hiccups, Gaikwad is back in the team for the upcoming series against West Indies. He will be eager to grab the opportunity and get going with plenty of openers eyeing a spot in the ODI team.
Apart from Gaikwad, the Indian cricket team has a plethora of options to choose from at the top. The Men in Blues’ all format skipper Rohit Sharma is a fixed starter when called up for national duty.
Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the best ODI players in the county and is always amongst the mix. KL Rahul is set to return from action once he is recovered from his injury and will also be eyeing the opening slot. The likes of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill are other contenders who could be given a chance apart from Gaikwad.
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Smit is a sports writer at Gutshot Magazine. After completing his Bachelor’s in Mass Media, and a Master’s degree in Sports Management, this sports fanatic uses articles as a tool to express his opinions. Bring up cricket or football and you will find this usually quiet guy speak for hours! He also co-heads the official supporters club of Chelsea FC in Mumbai, wherein he hosts screenings, football meets and other such events.
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