We think Ruturaj Gaikwad will do wonders for the country: Chetan Sharma

India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa was announced on Friday (December 31). While the skipper Rohit Sharma missed out due to fitness issues, the selectors rewarded Ruturaj Gaikwad for his excellent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket. Chief selector Chetan Sharma also heaped praises on the youngster stating that he will do wonders for India in future.

Ruturaj had a brilliant IPL 2021 season where he scored 635 in 16 innings at an average of 45.35 and a strike-rate of 136.26. He hit four fifties and a century in the season while also winning the Orange Cap for being the top run-getter of IPL 2021. He followed it up with a brilliant Vijay Hazare Trophy season smashing four tons in five matches with the best score of 168 runs.

Talking about his selection, Chetan Sharma felt Ruturaj Gaikwad has got his chance at a perfect time and the panel thinks he will shine for India in near future. “Look, absolutely (he has) got the opportunity at the right time. He was in the T20 team and also now he is in the ODI team, wherever his place can be made, selectors are thinking he will go and do wonders for the country,” the chief selector said during the press conference.

It is up to management when to include him in the XI, says Sharma

Chetan Sharma asserted that they have rewarded Ruturaj for his excellent form. However, at the same time, he felt that it is up to the management now if he gets a chance in the playing XI or not. “We have selected him (Ruturaj). Now it is up to the (team) management to see when he can play in the XI, when he is required and how to go about the combination, these things we will coordinate.

“But, at present, he (Ruturaj) was in the T20 side also against New Zealand and he is in ODI now. He is doing well and he is rewarded for that,” Chetan Sharma added.