Should Ruturaj Gaikwad get his maiden Test call-up for India-West Indies Series?

With the Test series against the West Indies approaching, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form in domestic cricket has suddenly become a major talking point. The stylish right-hander, who has already made a name for himself in white-ball cricket, has produced the kind of performance that forces selectors to sit up and take notice. His century in the Duleep Trophy 2025 could not have come at a better time, especially with India looking to refresh their batting options in the longest format.

Playing for West Zone in the semi-final against Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Gaikwad came to the crease in a difficult situation. His side was reduced to 10 for 2, and the match could easily have slipped away from them. Instead, he batted with a mix of composure and intent, compiling a majestic 184 from just 206 balls. 

His innings included 25 crisp boundaries and a six, reflecting both control and aggression. This knock was his eighth first-class century, but more importantly, it was one played under pressure, showing that he can handle the challenges of red-ball cricket at the highest level.

What stood out about the innings was not just the volume of runs but the way Gaikwad anchored crucial partnerships. He added 82 runs with Aarya Desai and later shared another vital stand with Tanush Kotian, ensuring West Zone ended the day with a commanding 363 for 6. 

His ability to rescue his team from a tricky start highlighted his maturity as a red-ball batter. For someone who has often been tagged as a limited-overs specialist, this was a timely reminder that he has the technique and patience for Test cricket as well.

The timing of this performance adds weight to his case. Earlier this year, Gaikwad endured a setback when an elbow injury ruled him out midway through the IPL, forcing him to hand over CSK captaincy back to MS Dhoni. 

To bounce back with such a defining innings in first-class cricket shows both resilience and hunger. India’s selectors now face a decision: should they reward this form with a maiden Test call-up against West Indies? Given the blend of skill, temperament, and current touch that Gaikwad has displayed, the answer looks increasingly like a strong yes.