Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is on the verge of an international return as reports from Cricbuzz indicate that the Maharashtra opener is likely to be included in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming home
series against West Indies. He will replace vice-captain Shreyas Iyer who is unavailable due to Asian Games commitments. The right hand batter has had an ODI career so far that has been a stop-start. In nine matches and eight innings, he has scored 228 runs at an average of 28.50 and a strike rate of nearly 90. His highest score remains the impressive 105 against South Africa in December 2025, a knock that briefly raised hopes of a permanent middle-order role.
🚨 RUTURAJ GAIKWAD IS COMING BACK 💛
– Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to be included in the ODI team for WI series in the absence of Shreyas Iyer. [Cricbuzz] pic.twitter.com/m9lMcEgFDA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 13, 2026
He also has one half-century to his name. Despite the century he was not selected in the series against New Zealand and England. Since that South Africa series, Gaikwad has stayed busy with domestic and India A cricket, refining his game while waiting for another opportunity. His domestic List A record remains outstanding, showing the talent that first earned him India caps. At 29, he still has time to put out a stronger international identity, especially with the 2027 World Cup cycle beginning to take shape.
India to miss key players for West Indies Series due to Asian Games clash
The three-match ODI series against West Indies begins on 27 September 2026 at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The second match is scheduled for 30 September in Guwahati, followed by the third on 3 October at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Shubman Gill is expected to lead the side but they will be without some key players who are unavailable due to Asian Games.
With several regular players focused on the Asian Games, this series provides a good opportunity for players like Gaikwad to stake their claims. Strong performance here could influence selection conversations as India balances immediate results with longer-term World Cup preparation. For Gaikwad, it is a clear chance to rewrite the narrative around his ODI career and remind selectors of the player who once looked set for a regular role. The squad for the West Indies Series is expected to be announced in the coming week.
