Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the logic behind India’s ODI team selection for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, saying the selection of Ruturaj Gaikwad over Rishabh Pant should have been a “clear and logical” decision. Ashwin felt that Gaikwad’s omission, despite his strong recent performances, was not in keeping with form or team balance.
Ashwin explained it Gaikwad has earned his place after delivery when there was an opportunity to do so and it would also fit in better ODI Combination in India. In his YouTube appearance Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said that the decision came down to choosing between a specialist batsman and a second wicket, and in his opinion the answer was obvious.
“Could Gaikwad have stayed in the lineup? I think it was a real possibility,” Ashwin said.
“The only bone of contention is between Pant and Gaikwad. It was a straight decision. Shreyas Iyer deserved to come back from injury, so no discussion about that. It is his rightful position.”
Ashwin further elaborated on why he feels Gaikwad is the more suitable choice in the current setup.
“Between the second keeper and the batsman, you can get a keeper from anywhere to cover,” he added.
“I stick my neck out at four or five, his batting against spin, his running between the wickets and his ability to close the innings is phenomenal.
The Indian squad announcement on 3 January saw the return of captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer along with Mohammed Siraj. To accommodate these inclusions, Gaikwad was left out despite scoring his first ODI century against South Africa in Raipur and continuing his good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a century and a fifty in his last two matches.
Ashwin also touched on Pant’s role in white-ball cricket, suggesting that the left-hander is better suited to the top order rather than the middle order. In contrast, he believes Gaikwad’s skills make him a natural fit for the middle order in ODIs.
Ashwin briefly mentioned India’s senior batsmen, noting that opportunities remain limited for the likes of Gaikwad while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to anchor the batting order. Their presence, he said, inevitably shrinks the space for extended runs for starting players.
“Ruturaj will get a long rope only when Rohit and Kohli decide to hang up their boots,” Ashwin said.
“Until then, it will be hard for him to escape.
Ashwin concluded by urging Gaikwad to remain patient and continue to perform, stressing that consistency remains the only way to stay relevant in India’s highly competitive selection landscape.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 4, 2026
