Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin feels Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves an extended run in the Indian lineup, ideally in the No. 4 role, following his impressive performance in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. Despite this being only his eighth ODI since making his debut three years ago, the 28-year-old registered his first century in the format.
Gaikwad’s superb 105 off 83 deliveries powered India to a commanding total of 358 in their allotted 50 overs. Although he has mostly opened for India throughout his career, the right-hander appeared completely comfortable batting at No. 4. Sharing his thoughts on the growing discussions around Gaikwad and his place in the side, Ashwin commented on his YouTube channel:
“There are some players where the outside noise immediately gets to their neck. Some get noise that they are very talented and should be given a long rope. But I don’t know why, how and where that noise comes from. For Ruturaj, when he performed well, he never got the long run. Sometimes he has also been injured, which is unfortunate.”
He further continued:
“But you don’t have to look at him with such impatience. Ruturaj has all the possibilities to bat at No. 4. He can play seamers well. The only way to get him out if the ball swings initially. That’ll get eliminated if he bats at No. 4. Spin no one can play better than him. He’s also very quick on his feet and runs very well between the wickets. He has every shot in the book. Beyond this, a player doesn’t need to prove anything else to bat at No. 4.”
“Ruturaj Should Stay In The XI Even After Shreyas Return”- Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin feels that Ruturaj Gaikwad should retain his spot in India’s ODI lineup even when Shreyas Iyer comes back.
“Even if Shreyas Iyer comes back, you can still accommodate Ruturaj. Would you want to push Ruturaj up the order or even Virat can do that, batting up the order. He has done it in T20s. A player with such a pedigree like Ruturaj must be given a long run,” he stated.
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