Ruturaj Gaikwad (PTI Photo) Ruturaj Gaikwad is back in the national colors and eager to impress as India prepare to take on South Africa in their three-match ODI series. The batsman expressed his excitement at returning to the international stage, describing it as a “good feeling” to don the blue again and contribute to the team’s efforts. Gaikwad’s inclusion comes in the absence of Shubman Gill, who has been sidelined with a neck injury, and Shreyas Iyer, who is recovering from a spleen injury. Led by wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul, the series begins at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.Click here to play Indian photo shoot “It’s good to be back in blue and I’m really looking forward to playing for Team India again,” Gaikwad said in a video shared by the BCCI on X during the team’s photo session on Saturday.
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The 28-year-old last appeared in an ODI on December 19, 2023 against South Africa in Gqeberha, while his last international appearance was in a T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 13, 2024. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel welcomed Gaikwad’s return, calling him “a quality player for a number of years” and expressing confidence that if given the opportunity, he would make the country proud. Gaikwad earned the recall after impressive performances in the recent 50-over series against South Africa A in Rajkot. With Shreyas Iyer unavailable, he could be considered for the number four spot, though he faces competition from left-handers Tilaka Varma and Rishabh Pant. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma and take over the role vacated by Shubman Gill. While Varma and Pant remain front-runners for the middle-order slot, Gaikwad’s form provides the team management with a valuable alternative in completing the batting line-up. After starting the series in Ranchi, the teams will meet in the remaining matches in Raipur and Visakhapatnam.
