Ruturaj Gaikwad should open with Shikhar Dhawan in West Indies ODIs: Wasim Jaffer

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer feels that Ruturaj Gaikwad should get the opportunity to play the ODI series against West Indies. The veteran stated that Gaikwad should be given his ODI debut cap and sent to open the batting alongside skipper Shikhar Dhawan. To prove his point, Jaffer pointed out Ruturaj’s strong List A record as an opener.

In 64 List A games, Ruturaj has distinguished himself by scoring 3284 runs at an average of 54.73 and a strike rate of 100.09. Gaikwad was at his best during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021 and claimed four tons in the five innings that he played. He finished the season as the leading run-scorer, with 603 runs from five innings where he batted at a magnificent average of 150.75.

“I think Ruturaj should make his ODI debut and open with Shikhar in the WI series. Ruturaj scored 4 tons in 5 inns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, deserves a look in. Also, the left-right combo stays. #WIvIND,” Jaffer tweeted.

I think Ruturaj should make his ODI debut and open with Shikhar in the WI series. Ruturaj scored 4 tons in 5 inns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, deserves a look in. Also left-right combo stays. #WIvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 21, 2022

Gaikwad rose to prominence after playing a key role in the IPL 2021 championship run of the four-time champions Chennai Super Kings. He scored 635 runs in 16 games with an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26 to claim the Orange Cap for most runs in the season. In the previous year’s T20I match between India and Sri Lanka, the young batter made his international debut.

After receiving few chances in the succeeding series, he was given the chance to show off his abilities in the five-match T20I series against South Africa at home. Though he has been able to take his place in India’s squad, he could not earn his ODI cap. But the upcoming series against West Indies has opened the doors for plenty of young cricketers.

India’s hunt for the opening batter

The Indian team will be led by Shikhar Dhawan as all-format skipper Rohit Sharma has been rested for the ODI leg of the tour. Apart from Rohit, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Shami have also been rested. With KL Rahul out of the squad owing to his injury concerns, the opening slot in India’s lineup is vacant with multiple potential contenders for the same. Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan are the other contendors for the spot besides Gaikwad.