By Ruturaj Gaikwad’s removal from India’s T20I team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has created widespread controversy and disappointment among cricket fans and analysts alike. Despite his impressive performance in the recent T20 series against Zimbabwe, when he scored 133 runs in three innings, including a stunning 77*, Gaikwad was not selected for the Sri Lanka visit.
Team Strategy Shift: According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is favoring a new opening combination for T20Is, with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the charge. Both players were part of the Zimbabwe tour squad, where they began the batting while Gaikwad batted out of position, frequently at number three or four.
The Selection Committee’s Focus: The selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, has indicated a shift in tactics as India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. With the return of veteran players like Rishabh Pant and the inclusion of others, Gaikwad’s place in the squad has shrunk, despite his recent performances.
Fan and Expert Reactions: The decision to drop Gaikwad has sparked a social media backlash, with many fans accusing the selection process of being politically driven and questioning the inclusion of players such as Riyan Parag, who performed poorly in the Zimbabwe series. Former cricketers and analysts have also expressed disappointment at Gaikwad’s absence, claiming that his performance deserved a spot in the team.
Politics Won 💔
— Sandeep jaiswa (@Sandeepjaiswa2) July 18, 2024
Shame on you @BCCI #RiturajGaikwad #JUSTICEFORRUTURAJGAIKWAD #JusticeForRiturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/tQZ8HhIjfo
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence from the T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series is due to a strategic shift in team composition and the selection committee’s preference for other players, despite his good recent performance. This decision has sparked debate over selection standards and the impact of politics on the cricket landscape.
