Ruturaj Gaikwad's Exclusion from ODI Squad Sparks Debate

Former Indian opener Sadagopan Ramesh believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad should have been included in the squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. Ramesh suggested that Gaikwad should replace all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, questioning the decision to include a fifth seam bowler instead. Gaikwad recently scored a century while batting at number four against South Africa, yet he was omitted from the team for the New Zealand series.

Concerns have been raised regarding the BCCI selection committee's choices following Gaikwad's exclusion. Despite his impressive performance in the last match against South Africa, he found himself out of the squad. His absence coincided with the return of Shreyas Iyer, who is back from an injury sustained during the Australia tour, intensifying discussions about selection priorities. However, Iyer's availability will only be confirmed after a fitness test, and despite this uncertainty, selectors did not consider Gaikwad as a backup option.