Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to make his One Day International (ODI) debut in the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies. The series will get underway on July 22 at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. The other two games are scheduled on July 24 and 27.
With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya rested, this series will hand a couple of youngsters an opportunity to make a case for them with ODI World Cup scheduled to take place later this year.
Taking to his Twitter account, he pointed out that the right-hander has done tremendously well in the 50-over format in domestic cricket. Jaffer also mentioned that India will have a solid left-right combination with Gaikwad opening the innings alongside Shikhar Dhawan.
“I think Ruturaj should make his ODI debut and open with Shikhar in the WI series. Ruturaj scored 4 tons in 5 inns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, deserves a look in. Also left-right combo stays,” Jaffer wrote on Twitter.
I think Ruturaj should make his ODI debut and open with Shikhar in the WI series. Ruturaj scored 4 tons in 5 inns in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, deserves a look in. Also left-right combo stays. #WIvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 21, 2022
Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased brilliant form with the bat during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22. With 603 runs from five innings, he finished as the leading run-scorer of the particular season.
The 25-year-old made his T20I debut for India in July 2021 on the back of consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket. However, he is yet to make a significant impact in international cricket and has only 135 runs to his name from nine games at an average of 16.9.
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