Ruturaj Gaikwad's Exclusion Raises Questions as India Announces Sri Lanka Squads

Ruturaj Gaikwad's Exclusion Raises Questions as India Announces Squads for Sri Lanka Series

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed astonishment over the omission of Ruturaj Gaikwad from India's squads for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Gaikwad, who has been in impressive form in recent months, was not selected for either the T20I or ODI teams.

Chopra questioned the selectors' decision, highlighting Gaikwad's recent performances and leadership qualities. "Ruturaj Gaikwad has been left out in both formats. What did he do that his name hasn't come?" Chopra said. "Six months ago, you were worthy of becoming the captain of a team, a team that had Shubman Gill who wasn't playing, but Shubman has become the vice-captain now and Ruturaj is not even part of the team, neither in T20Is nor in ODIs. Is that right?"

Chopra also raised concerns about the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja from the entire tour lineup. "Yuzi Chahal also comes to mind. You were just now part of the World Cup. After that, you are nowhere," Chopra said. "Ravindra Jadeja is also not part of ODI cricket. What's happening there? He has himself retired from T20Is but would have been available in ODIs. If he is available and is not being played despite that, have Team India started looking in some other direction?"

The selectors' decisions have sparked speculation about their vision for the future of the Indian team. Chopra urged the selectors to communicate their plans clearly to players like Gaikwad, who may feel aggrieved by their exclusion. "I really hope that it's being communicated that he is being looked at for T20Is and will be considered for ODIs because, otherwise, Ruturaj Gaikwad, like Sanju Samson, will be very aggrieved. He might be feeling that he has been wronged," Chopra said.

The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will provide an opportunity for India to test their squad and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. The selectors' decisions will be closely scrutinized as they attempt to strike a balance between experience and youth.

Tags: #RuturajGaikwad, #IndiaSquads, #SriLankaSeries, #AakashChopra, #YuzvendraChahal