India star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to get a major opportunity in India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, with head coach Gautam Gambhir confirming that the batter will play
all three matches and bat at No. 4. Ruturaj, who hasn’t played a game since smashing hundred for India in the limited overs is set to return and occupy the number 4 spot for team India.
India are scheduled to take on the West Indies in a three-match ODI series, with the opening game set to be played in Thiruvananthapuram. The tickets for the first ODI got sold out in mere 24 hours with fans being excited to watch Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma back in action.
With Gaikwad being handed a confirmed role across the series, India have provided the right-hander with an extended opportunity to make an impact in the 50-over format.
Ruturaj Gaikwad gets clear No. 4 role
Gaikwad has traditionally been seen as an opening batter in white-ball cricket, but India will now look at him in a different role. Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that the Chennai Super Kings star will bat at No. 4 throughout the three-match ODI series.
The decision could be an important one for Gaikwad, as a fixed position across all three games gives him the opportunity to settle into the middle order. Rather than having to adapt to a new role for just one match, the batter will know exactly what is expected of him throughout the series.
Big opportunity for Gaikwad in ODI cricket
The upcoming series could prove crucial for Gaikwad as he looks to establish himself more firmly in India’s ODI plans. His ability to build an innings, rotate the strike and accelerate when required makes him an interesting option in the middle order.
With Gambhir confirming that Gaikwad will feature in all three ODIs, India appear keen to give him a proper run instead of judging him on a single performance. He will be taking that spot in absence of Shreyas Iyer.
