BCCI asked to give '3 full chances' to Ruturaj Gaikwad despite CSK player's failure in IND vs SA 1st ODI

A former India player comes out in support of Ruturaj Gaikwad after the 1st ODI vs South Africa, defending his intent and performance amid growing scrutiny.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: BCCI)

India's batter Ruturaj Gaikwad’s future looks in jeopardy after getting dismissed on just eight runs in the first ODI match against South Africa in Ranchi. Despite India winning the game, Gaikwad's batting and failure to score runs have come to light.

He was included in the team in place of Rishabh Pant as a No. 4 batter, and he was dismissed by Dewald Brevis’ outstanding catch at the point region. He flew towards his right side and was completely parallel to the ground before taking the catch.

Coming to Gaikwad's support, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the selectors to give Gaikwad a chance to play in all the matches since he is an opening batter and not a middle-order player. Even in domestic games, Gaikwad has been opening the innings for his teams and has performed well.

“I really don’t understand what is going on. Ruturaj Gaikwad has never batted at no.4 in ODIs. You sent him to that position, and he got out only because Dewald Brevis took a stunning catch,” said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel.

“When he was dismissed, I literally folded my hands and said, please give him three full chances. Even if he fails, don’t discard him immediately. Don’t judge him on just these three performances. His main job is to open the batting. Until you can give him that position, you don’t have any right to pass a verdict on his ODI career,” he added.

Will Rishabh Pant play in 2nd ODI vs South Africa?

Rishabh Pant’s exclusion from the Indian team was a shocker for many fans since he has always been trusted in the middle order. However, Gaikwad’s brilliant performance against South Africa A helped him get a seat in the ODI series. While everyone imagined Gaikwad to open with Rohit Sharma, the board sent him down the order.

With Gaikwad’s failed performance in the first match, it is likely that Pant might get his seat back in the Indian team. However, it will be interesting to see if Gambhir and Co. give Gaikwad some more chances and let him play the rest of the games.

How to watch India vs South Africa, ODI series?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, ODI series from November 30 on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Read Also: India vs South Africa ODIs: When and where to watch in India? How to watch Rohit-Kohli in action?

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