Is Shreyas Iyer’s spot safe? Ruturaj Gaikwad’s surge raises new questions

As Ruturaj Gaikwad continues to rise, questions emerge about Shreyas Iyer’s long-term security in India’s batting order. Is Iyer under threat or still safe?

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer (Image Credit: ICC)

The Indian cricket team is filled with star players who have performed magnifienctly throughout the years. In recent times, there are talented cricketers who are benched because everybody from the playing XI is performing well. During the recent ODI series against South Africa, one name grabbed the spotlight instantly with a stellar century in the second game: Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 27-year-old batter has made his debut but got a chance in the ODIs after ages.

Despite performing continuously in the domestic set-up, Gaikwad was consisten;y ignored by the selection committee over the years. Until recently when he slammed a century and a half-century against South Africa A. With Shreyas Iyer’s injury, and Gaikwad’s form, there was a lot of confusion regarding his inclusion in the team. In fact, fans were more than surprised when they spotted the batter in the ODI squad.

The confusion didn’t end there. Nobody was sure if Gaikwad would get a chance since Tilak Varma was also a part of the squad. Skipper KL Rahul also hinted towards giving the batter a chance somewhere in the series. The real surprise came when he was included in the first match. But, Gaikwad failed to gather runs.

It wasn’t his fault as Dewald Brevis took an blinder. The fear of losing the place to Rishabh Pant or Tilak Varma loomed around him but the management showed confidence in him and kept the team unchanged and Gaikwad’s years of hard work and patience came to light when he slammed the century with Virat Kohli standing at the non-striker’s end. Gaikwad’s century raised an important question - what will happen when Shreyas Iyer return?

Is Shreyas Iyer’s place in danger?

India’s ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, has earned his place in the team after being ignored for a almost a year. Now that he is the deputy to captain Shubman Gill, it’s unlikely of Iyer to lose his spot in the Indian team. Then did Gaikwad’s century go in vain? Well, statistically, both are brilliant batters with tons of experience.

However, it will depend upon head coach Gautam Gambhir and management to shuffle the playing XI to fit in both batters.The team has a lot of all-rounders and to accommodate both Iyer and Gaikwad, management will have to work around the playing XI, which is again, unlikely.

The manner in which Gaikwad has been ignored all these years, if he fails to perform in the next match, he is more likely to be removed from the team. Well, everything will depend on what the team management wants and the fans can hope for the best.

Where to watch the India vs South Africa match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI match online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: India’s WTC campaign suffers blow after embarrasing defeat vs SA; slips from third position

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