Ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that Ruturaj Gaikwad could have found a spot in the squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, adding that the management could have picked him instead of Rishabh Pant, with KL Rahul already present.
Gaikwad had struck a brilliant hundred against South Africa in the recent series, an innings many felt should have strengthened his case. However, when India named their team for the ODI series against New Zealand on Saturday, January 3, Gaikwad’s name was missing.
The selectors opted for Rishabh Pant instead. Many view Gaikwad as a complete batter, consistent, sound and strong, yet he still couldn’t bag a spot in the team.
“Could Gaikwad have been kept in the squad? I think that was a possibility,”
Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin said that the selectors were faced with a tough call, with the decision boiling down to a straight choice between Gaikwad and Rishabh Pant. The latter got the nod due to his being a southpaw.
Ashwin felt Shreyas Iyer’s return to the team was never in doubt, calling it his ‘rightful position’. However, he questioned the need to pick a second specialist when a batter like Gaikwad was available.
“Between a second wicketkeeper and a batter, you can get a keeper from anywhere to cover,” Ashwin said.
The former Indian cricketer also praised Gaikwad’s batting ability, stressing that he shouldn’t be viewed only as an opener. In Ashwin’s opinion, Gaikwad has the skill set to succeed in the middle order as well.
“At four or five, I’m sticking my neck out, his batting against spin, his running between the wickets and his ability to close out an innings is phenomenal. My main concern is Gaikwad’s mindset,” Ashwin said.
“Right now, it is a straight choice between Gaikwad and Rishabh Pant, with Pant having the advantage of being the left-hander,” Ashwin added.
