Ranchi: Ahead of the ODI series against South Africa, India batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his happiness on returning to the national team. He said that it feels good to be back in the blue jersey and he is looking forward to contributing to the team again in international cricket.
In the absence of Shubman Gill (neck injury) and Shreyas Iyer (spleen injury), Gaikwad was included in India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against South Africa starting from Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. The series will be captained by wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul.
“It feels good to be back in the blue jersey and I am eagerly waiting to play for Team India again,” Gaikwad said in a video posted by BCCI on X on Saturday during team photoshoot activities. Gaikwad last played an ODI against South Africa in Gqebarha on December 19, 2023, while his most recent international match was in a T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 13, 2024.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel had said on Friday about Gaikwad’s selection in the ODI squad, “It’s great to have him here. He has been a quality player for many years, and if he gets this opportunity, I’m sure he will make the country very proud.”
Gaikwad recently returned to India’s ODI setup with a stellar performance in the 50-over series against South Africa A in Rajkot, and could contend for the number four slot in Iyer’s absence.
Although left-handed batsmen Tilak Varma and Rishabh Pant are the frontrunners for the position, Gaikwad’s excellent form gives the team management another option as they consider the makeup of their middle order. After the first ODI in Ranchi, India and South Africa will play the next two matches in Raipur and Visakhapatnam.
Gaikwad: Return to Team India has increased enthusiasm, waiting for matches
