Ruturaj Gaikwad Ignored for Bangladesh T20I Series; Set to be India’s Backup Opener in Australia Test Series

India’s opening dilemma continues in Test cricket, whether at home or away series. Indian openers have struggled to score big runs in red-ball cricket. Rohit Sharma’s opening partners have changed from Shubman Gill to Yashasvi Jaiswal, and even though Jaiswal has done great, it is now the Indian captain Rohit who is struggling for runs. This situation has prompted Indian selectors to search for a third opener ahead of the big Australia away series.

Ruturaj Gaikwad will be third opener for Border-Gavaskar Trophy vs Australia

After the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand and then travel to Australia in November for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The selectors might consider a third opener for the long tour. According to reports, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings‘ captain, might be trusted as the third opener.

Much questions were raised by the Indian cricket team fans after the Indian cricket team’s squad for the Bangladesh T20I series was announced. Fans were left frustrated at the Maharashtra batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has been left out of the squad for the series despite doing consistently well for the side in the format in whatever opportunity he has got. 

However, recent developments state that Gaikwad is being groomed for the third opener slot for the Australia series, evident from his inclusion in the Irani Cup match for the Rest of India team, instead of the T20I series against Bangladesh. A source revealed that the selectors and team management want Gaikwad as the third opener for the Australia series, considering his impressive performance in red-ball cricket.

Player Statistics

Indian cricket team squad for Bangladesh T20I series

The Indian cricket team is currently playing the ongoing 2 match Test series vs Bangladesh which Team India is on course to win. Following that, the Men in Blue will play a 3 match T20I series vs Bangladesh starting from 6th October. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson also in the squad.

Abhishek Sharma is likely to open the inning for Team India alongwith Sanju Samson with no other recognised opening batter in the team. The middle-order could consistent of captain Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya. The pacers include Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana. Varun Chakravarthy is making his return to the team and will have Ravi Bishnoi as his spin bowling partner.

Team India Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav.