Ruturaj Gaikwad's Case for a Spot in India's ODI Lineup: A Look at His Batting Versatility

Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as a compelling candidate for India's ODI squad, particularly after his impressive performances as captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His batting record in various positions showcases his adaptability and potential for the upcoming World Cup in 2027.

Despite scoring an ODI century against South Africa in December 2025, Gaikwad was surprisingly omitted from the subsequent squad for the Afghanistan series. During his brief return to international cricket, he batted at number four, where he managed to score 105 runs in a match, demonstrating his ability to construct an innings alongside seasoned players like Virat Kohli. However, his stellar performance did not translate into a continued selection.

Gaikwad's journey has been marked by persistence. After being included in the T20 team for the Zimbabwe tour in 2024, he faced a setback when he wasn’t selected for subsequent matches. Nevertheless, his determination shone through during the 2024-25 domestic season, where he amassed 514 runs across eight innings, averaging an impressive 85.66.

In a stroke of luck, he was called up to replace the injured Riyan Parag for the India A team in a tri-series against Sri Lanka. Stepping into a role that wasn’t initially his, Gaikwad made a significant impact by scoring 101 runs in a crucial match against Afghanistan A. His ability to anchor the innings was further highlighted in the following game where he contributed 66 runs, solidifying his reputation as a reliable batsman.

Gaikwad’s statistics across different batting positions in ODIs reveal a promising trajectory. While his performances at the top of the order have been modest, his average of 57 at number four, boosted by his century against South Africa, underscores his potential. Furthermore, his overall List A cricket performance, including 21 centuries in 100 matches, positions him as one of the leading batsmen among active Indian players.

With strong competition from established players like Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, the question remains: can Ruturaj Gaikwad claim his place in the ODI lineup? His consistent scoring and adaptability certainly make a strong argument for his inclusion.