Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has yet to represent India in Test cricket, but his performances in the red-ball format continue to strengthen
the argument for a maiden call-up. The 29-year-old has been one of Maharashtra's most consistent contributors in first-class cricket over the past several seasons.
His latest outing in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 has added fresh momentum to that case. Batting against Jharkhand at MCA Stadium in Pune, Gaikwad produced an innings that touched on several qualities selectors look for in a Test-match batter.
Here are the 3 reasons why Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves a Test call-up:
3. In-form performances and Strong first-class record
At MCA Stadium, Pune, Gaikwad walked in at an unfamiliar No. 7 position during Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy 2026-27 fixture against Jharkhand and compiled 101 not out off 172 deliveries, reaching his 10th first-class century. The knock included six fours and one six, and he shared an unbeaten stand of 182 runs with Ankit Bawne, who contributed 169 to that partnership. Maharashtra eventually declared on 527 for 5.
Across his first-class career, Gaikwad has accumulated 3,466 runs from 49 matches at an average above 44, with 10 hundreds and 18 fifties. In the previous Ranji Trophy edition, he averaged 82.00, scoring 410 runs across five games. He had rejoined the Maharashtra squad directly after a stint with India A before this match.
2. Ability to handle pace and spin
During the Jharkhand innings, Gaikwad showed a compact defensive approach against pace bowling, with sound judgement on deliveries outside the off stump. Against spin, he used his footwork to come down the pitch when the opportunity arose and also worked the ball off his pads to keep the scoreboard moving.
The combination of these two contrasting methods against India's most common Test bowling threats is a key part of the argument for his inclusion. Selectors assessing red-ball candidates typically look for batters who can negotiate both disciplines across long spells, and Gaikwad's display against Jharkhandoffered evidence of exactly that. With the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy coming up in just a few months, the Indian team management will be tempted to use the services of Ruturaj against Aussies.
1. Batting flexibility and adaptability
Although Gaikwad is primarily a top-order batter, he accepted the No. 7 role against Jharkhand without any apparent disruption to his method. He first focused on building the innings alongside Ankit Bawne before shifting gears when the situation allowed, and the pair's unbeaten stand took Maharashtrato 527 for 5 before the declaration.
He has already proved his batting prowess in international cricket in ODIs and T20Is, playing at different batting positions as per the team's requirements.
That willingness to slot into a different position and adjust his tempo according to match conditions gives India's selectors an additional option as they look to reinforce their red-ball batting lineup. With India scheduled to play two Tests in New Zealand from November 19, the timing of Gaikwad's century has placed him firmly in the selection conversation going forward.
