Chetan Sharma’s selection committee announced India’s 18-member squad for the ODI series against South Africa. While Rohit Sharma was ruled out, the selectors rewarded Ruturaj Gaikwad for his performance in IPL and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Chief selector heaped praise on the young batter.
Ruturaj scored 635 runs in I6 IPL innings at an average of 43.55 and a strike rate of 136.26. He hit four fifties and a century in the season while also winning the Orange Cap for finishing the top run-scorer in IPL 2021. He followed it up with another remarkable display in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing four tons in five matches.
“He has got the chance at the right time, and the panel thinks he can do wonders for India. Ruturaj was in the T20 squad, and also now he is in the ODI tea,” said Chetan Sharma.
Chetan asserted that it is up to the team management whether he gets a place in the playing XI. “Our job is to select a player, and rest depends on the management,” he added.