Published By: Saksham Mishra

Ruturaj Gaikwad, India calling

Rituraj Gaikwad had a breakout season in IPL 2021 and has good chances of getting selected for the Indian team in the future. Gaikwad was the holder of the orange cap at one point and finished the league stage of IPL 2021 with 533 runs from 14 matches at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 137. He struck 3 half centuries with the help of 56 boundaries and 26 sixes.

Gaikwad's best knock and his maiden hundred in the IPL (101 not out) came against Rajasthan Royals. Gaikwad and fellow opener Faf du Plessis had a 47-run opening partnership on a tough surface at the Sheikh Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Gradually, Gaikwad who was on 30 runs after 30 deliveries, began to accelerate. As it is, manipulating the field and scoring quickly in the middle overs has become his forte.

Gaikwad smashed the last ball of the innings for a six as he finished with 9 boundaries, 5 sixes and a strike rate of 168.33. For someone who is not known for his big hitting, his timing and placement are his biggest virtues.

In fact, Gaikwad's maturity and his ability to adjust his game according to different situations impressed former Indian opener Virender Sehwag so much that he suggested Gaikwad to be the future captain of Chennai Super Kings after MS Dhoni decides to step down.

“I haven’t met him, nor seen Ruturaj Gaikwad play personally, but if he stays at CSK for the next couple of years, he may have the capability to become the captain. I haven’t spent time with him personally. But he bats with a calm head, he knows when to take risks and how to bat at each moment."

"He doesn’t run away from responsibility, nor does he throw away his wicket. Looking at all these qualities, I feel if he stays at CSK and continues there, he may have the capability. Does he captain in domestic cricket? If yes, then his chances of leading CSK will surely increase,” Sehwag said.

These qualities also make him an enticing prospect for the Indian national team. With the likes of Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill and DevduttPadikkal already gunning for the opening spot, Gaikwad can be much more suited to the middle order role.

In fact, not only in white ball cricket, Gaikwad can go on to represent India in test cricket as well given the technique and the temperament he possesses.