The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the teams for the Sri Lanka tour on July 18. One unexpected absence was Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite performing well in the recent five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, he was not included in any of the teams announced by the board. Gaikwad scored 133 runs in three innings in Zimbabwe with an average of 66.5. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has criticized the selection committee for leaving Gaikwad out.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad has been excluded from both the T20 and ODI teams. What happened to Ruturaj Gaikwad that his name isn’t being mentioned? Six months ago, he was considered capable of leading a team, even though Shubman Gill, who wasn’t playing at the time, is now the vice-captain, and Ruturaj isn’t part of the team in either format. Is that fair?” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“It’s similar to before, the coach and selection committee might have changed. They might have made some decisions, but now they seem to be seeking a change. I really hope they’re telling him that he’s being considered for T20s and will be looked at for ODIs, because otherwise, like Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad might feel very upset. He might think he’s been treated unfairly,” he added.
The former cricketer also wondered why Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja, who were both part of India’s winning team in the 2024 T20 World Cup, are not being selected now. Jadeja has stopped playing T20 matches but is still willing to play in other formats.
“I also think about Yuzi Chahal. He was just part of the World Cup team. Now, he’s not playing at all. Ravindra Jadeja is also not playing in ODI cricket. What’s going on? He has retired from T20 matches but would have been available for ODIs. If he’s available and still not being chosen, has Team India started looking elsewhere?” Chopra asked.
