India Squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against afghanistan The lineup received a significant update following the change. The decision sparked discussion among fans and experts, especially regarding the players who were in the running to earn a call-up.
This was also among the names on which there was a lot of debate. Ruturaj GaikwadWho recently impressed by scoring a century while representing India A. However, despite his strong performances and growing reputation in domestic and international cricket, the selectors chose a different path when finalizing the squad.
Aakash Chopra breaks down the selection decision
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra He told that he believes that the selection committee has taken the right decision by not taking Gaikwad’s name. Virat Kohli’s Replacement for Afghanistan ODI series. Kohli was ruled out of the three-match series due to a hamstring injury, after which the selectors had to bring Yashasvi Jaiswal In the squad. Chopra explained that the decision was largely influenced by team balance and the roles being considered for both players.
According to Chopra, Gaikwad is currently being viewed as a middle-order option rather than a top-order batsman in India’s ODI plans. He highlighted that the right-handed batsman recently scored a century while batting at No. 4 for India A, which suggests that the management is evaluating him for that specific position.
“Why hasn’t Ruturaj Gaikwad been picked as Virat Kohli’s replacement? As we speak, a tri-nation series is being played where Ruturaj Gaikwad has been picked as the vice-captain, and he scored a century in the first match, batting at No. 4,” Chopra said.
The former opener further said that under normal circumstances neither Gaikwad nor Jaiswal were guaranteed a place in India’s playing eleven for the Afghanistan series. He added that opportunities in the middle order are currently limited, making regular game time elsewhere a more practical option for Gaikwad.
Also read: Virat Kohli fan Harry Kane jokingly offers to play for ECB and RCB ahead of FIFA World Cup
Why does the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal matter more?
Chopra also pointed out that Jaiswal’s selection was logical as he was already part of India’s squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. With the ODI series scheduled immediately after the Tests, keeping him in the national team made the transition easier.
“Since Yashasvi Jaiswal is an integral part of India’s Test team and was also playing this Test, it made sense to retain him,” Chopra said.
The 48-year-old said that spending time with India A could ultimately benefit Gaikwad more than sitting on the bench with the senior team. With Gaikwad currently serving as the vice-captain and getting consistent opportunities in the middle order, Chopra believes the batsman is in a better position to strengthen his case for a comeback in the future.
Also read: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s heroic century helps India A beat Sri Lanka A in a thrilling ODI tri-series match
