Aakash Chopra feels that Ruturaj Gaikwad may not get a look during the ODI series against South Africa and has tipped Yashasvi Jaiswal to start Rohit Sharma. The Indian selectors have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 30.
Ruturaj has been recalled to the squad after his consistent performances in domestic cricket, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has played just one ODI so far, is also included. With key batsmen Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer unavailable, the selection decision has drawn attention ahead of the home series. Chopra expressed his support for Gaikwad’s selection but feels that Jaiswal deserves his chance to be part of the lineup.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad scored so many runs that his selection was almost confirmed. There was a thought that Abhishek Sharma might come. But you can’t do that. It is imperative that Yashasvi Jaiswal gets his chance first. Even if Ruturaj has been picked in the team, I don’t think he will be part of the XI.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF NITISH?
Nitish Kumar Reddy was named in the squad in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who is still recovering from injury. Chopra addressed Reddy’s inclusion, questioning his role and how he has been used in recent matches.
“I am still unable to understand what the team wants Nitish Kumar Reddy to do. It is the same theme in Test cricket. Sometimes they make him bat and sometimes they mix it up. On the day he gets a chance to bat, they forget to bat. And when he does bat, he doesn’t bat. When he bats, he can’t run and he doesn’t get enough runs.”
Chopra further elaborated on Reddy’s situation by pointing out how he struggled to find a consistent role.
“He has played 10 matches but one is still not able to understand his role. He bowled six in 150 overs (in the ongoing Test). He did not bowl an over in Delhi (against West Indies). It is very strange. Anyway, Hardik Pandya is not there, so this will be his opportunity,” added Chopra.
The ODI series will be led by KL Rahul, with matches scheduled in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam between November 30 and December 6. This series gives India an opportunity to test their strength on the bench, especially among the batsmen and all-rounders, with several regulars unavailable.
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Published on:
November 25, 2025
