Ruturaj Gaikwad is yet to make his Test debut for India, despite having a 42.69 average in first-class cricket.
A 16-person squad has been announced by the All India Selection Committee for the opening Test match against Bangladesh. In addition to Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant rejoining the red-ball squad, Yash Dayal was called up for the first time for India. The team had a few notable absences as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad was left off the squad after leading India C to victory over Shreyas Iyer and Co. in the Duleep Trophy. In the second innings of his match against India D, the 27-year-old struck 46 runs off of 48 balls, including 8 fours, to lay the groundwork for his team’s victorious chase.
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Gaikwad hasn’t played in a Test yet, but he has a 42.69 average in first-class cricket. Gaikwad’s difficulty breaking into the Indian team is partly due to his batting position (opening slot). India’s top order is packed with talent, starting with skipper Rohit Sharma, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal at number one and Shubman Gill at number three.
As captain and based on his recent record, Rohit is without a doubt a starting member of the starting XI, but Yashasvi has been on a roll in Test cricket, amassing over 700 runs in the series against England. It was difficult for Gaikwad to break into the Indian squad since Shubman, who finished second in run scoring with 452 runs, had found his form in the England series.
Some supporters, however, were unimpressed and criticized the selection committee for leaving Gaikwad off the Test squad for the inaugural Bangladesh Test.
