Rituraj Gaikwad has returned to the playing eleven of the ODI team for the first time since December 2023. In the first ODI match against South Africa, he could not capitalize on the opportunity and was out after scoring only 8 runs. But in the second ODI match played in Raipur, he scored a century of 105 runs in 83 balls. This is the first century of his ODI career. In fact, even after this century, the chances of Gaikwad getting a confirmed place in the playing eleven are slim. You will also be shocked to know the reason for this.
Will Gaikwad be out?
When the Indian ODI squad against South Africa was announced, captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer were not there. On one hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal has got a chance to open in place of injured Gill, on the other hand, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer plays at number-4, Rituraj Gaikwad has got a chance at this position in both the matches against South Africa. But when Iyer returns to the team, Gaikwad’s place in the playing eleven will be in danger.
Can you get a chance at some other position?
If we look at the first five batting order of the Indian team, they are solid. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul play on these. Only the sixth order is left for batting, because usually the all-rounder player plays at the 7th order. But with Washington Sundar getting continuous opportunities and Ravindra Jadeja being in the squad, Rituraj Gaikwad will not be able to make a place in the playing eleven.
Looking at all these aspects, it is not wrong to say that even after the century inning of 105 runs in Raipur, Gaikwad’s place in the playing eleven is not safe. Gaikwad may sit out after Shreyas Iyer’s return from injury.
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BCCI announces Team India for South Africa T20 series, Shubman Gill returns
