Dilip Vengsarkar feels the selectors must pick in-form batter Ruturaj Gaikwad for the three-match ODI series

Former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar thinks Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is in good form, should be selected for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. According to Vengsarkar, Gaikwad has scored enough runs to establish himself.

Gaikwad, 24, has recently been in outstanding form with the bat, scoring three straight hundreds for Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Gaikwad had scores of 136 (against Madhya Pradesh), 154* (vs Chhattisgarh), and 124 before being removed for 21 against Uttarakhand (against Kerala).

“You must pick a man in form. How many more runs does he need to score to prove himself ? It is high time the selectors pick him straight away and give him a proper opportunity.” he said

Chennai Super Kings

Gaikwad got the Orange Cap while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2021, prior to his heroics in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored 635 runs at an average of 45.35 in 16 matches, helping CSK win their fourth title.

While Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are expected to start the innings in the ODIs in South Africa, Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, and Ishan Kishan are among the back-up openers.

“He (Gaikwad) can bat at No 3 also. He must be accommodated in the team. It’s not like Ruturaj 18 or 19. He’s 24 now. There’s no point in picking him when he’ll be 28.” he said

Gaikwad has scored 1349 runs in 21 first-class matches, including four hundreds. In addition, he has 3116 runs at an amazing average of 52.81 in 63 List A games.

Therefore, In 21 first-class matches, Gaikwad has scored 1349 runs, including four hundreds. In addition, in 63 List A games, he has 3116 runs batted in at an incredible average of 52.81.

Gaikwad made his T20I debut in the series’ second match, scoring 21 off 18 balls. In the next T20I, he was removed for 14 off 10 as Sri Lanka won the three-match series 2-1.

Read more: India vs South Africa: Dilip Vengsarkar says “There’s no point in picking him when he’ll be 28”

Visit also: Saba Karim questioned the need for Shikhar Dhawan’s inclusion in the ODI squad for the South Africa tour

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