To prepare him for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Ruturaj Gaikwad has been rested from the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh
Ruturaj Gaikwad was rested from the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh to ensure he is fully prepared for the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later this year. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the team management decided to prioritize Gaikwad’s readiness for the five-match Test series, viewing him as a potential third opener.
Despite his impressive performances in recent domestic competitions, including leading India C in the Duleep Trophy, Gaikwad’s omission from the T20 squad has sparked disappointment among fans and experts. The selectors aim to keep him focused on red-ball cricket, with Gaikwad set to captain the Rest of India team in the Irani Cup starting soon.
This strategic decision underscores India’s commitment to building a robust squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, where injuries could necessitate having a reliable third opener. Gaikwad’s experience and skills make him a valuable asset, and the management is keen to assess his form in longer formats before finalizing the Test lineup.