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Ruturaj Gaikwad opens up about his ODI squad snub vs New Zealand, highlighting the challenges for cricketers not from traditional power centers like Mumbai, Delhi, or Punjab.
Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to make the cut in the ODI squad for the New Zealand series.(PTI)
New Delhi, 7 January 2026 — The Indian cricketing fraternity is abuzz after Ruturaj Gaikwad was surprisingly omitted from India’s 15-member One-Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand beginning on 11 January — despite his recent scoring exploits and a hard-fought century earlier in international cricket.
The snub has generated widespread reactions, with former players, pundits, and fans weighing in on the reasons behind the decision, its fairness, and what it could mean for Gaikwad’s future. At the center of these discussions was an emphatic message from ex-India batter Robin Uthappa, who urged the young star to “keep fighting” even in the face of setbacks — especially for players who don’t come from entrenched cricketing hubs.
In this comprehensive piece, we unpack the controversy, the varied reactions, and what it could mean for both Gaikwad and Indian cricket in the months ahead.
ODI Snub Despite Strong Form
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s recent track record makes his exclusion from the New Zealand ODI squad all the more intriguing. The 28-year-old had last featured in an ODI series against South Africa in late 2025, where he was entrusted with the No. 4 batting slot and rewarded selectors with a superb 105-run innings — his maiden ODI century.
Yet, with Shreyas Iyer returning from injury and being named vice-captain, Gaikwad was left out of the 15-member squad for the New Zealand series — a move that has baffled many observers and sparked spirited debate across media and social platforms.
Selectors retained stalwarts such as Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, alongside other established names. While this consistency at the top end of the batting order has been defended by some as strategic, others feel that performance and form deserved stronger consideration.
Robin Uthappa: A Call to Resilience
Former India batter Robin Uthappa took to his popular YouTube channel to address Gaikwad’s situation, highlighting just how competitive the Indian cricket landscape has become.
“You’ve got to find a way to keep fighting, especially if you don’t come from one of the three big states in India — Mumbai, Delhi, or Punjab,” Uthappa said.
“It takes an immense amount of resilience, self-talk, and positive reinforcement to stay in the fight.”
Uthappa’s core message was clear: talented cricketers from outside the traditional power centers often face additional barriers in cementing a place in India’s loaded batting line-up. Rather than dwelling on a snub, Uthappa encouraged Gaikwad — and players like him — to channel their energy into sustained performances in domestic cricket and other opportunities.
Voices from Within the Cricket World
The selection decision hasn’t just drawn commentary from former players but has triggered broader discussions about selection philosophy and fairness.
Kris Srikkanth’s Take
Former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth was notably critical of the decision, questioning why a player who scored an ODI century was overlooked while a comparatively less-proven all-rounder made the squad. Srikkanth even suggested cheekily that Gaikwad could explore wicket-keeping — akin to MS Dhoni — to bolster his chances of selection.
His argument underlined a perception that selectors may sometimes prioritize utility roles or perceived balance over pure batting form — a point that has resonated with many fans.
S Badrinath Questions Logic
Former India batter S Badrinath also expressed bewilderment, questioning the logic of including Nitish Kumar Reddy — whose all-round credentials have been under scrutiny — over Gaikwad, who produced a commanding performance in South Africa just weeks earlier.
Badrinath’s comments focused on inconsistency in selection decisions — a theme that has echoed strongly on social media and among erstwhile players.
Sadagopan Ramesh’s Perspective
Cricket writer Sadagopan Ramesh added that even if Shreyas Iyer clears his fitness tests, the omission of Gaikwad seemed difficult to justify, especially when India doesn’t need an additional seam-bowling option in a home ODI series. Ramesh argued that Gaikwad deserved at least a place in the 15-member squad.
Competitive Realities of Indian Cricket
To understand this situation fully, one must appreciate just how intense competition is for batting slots in the Indian team across formats. India boasts an embarrassment of riches at the top and middle order — players who have delivered consistently at the international level for years.
While Gaikwad has shown flashes of brilliance, he has only played nine ODIs, scoring 228 runs at an average of 28.50 — moderate numbers that include one century and a half-century.
When selectors have the option to choose from legends — including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — as well as emerging stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal, tough calls inevitably need to be made.
What Fans Are Saying
Across platforms like Reddit and Twitter, fans have reacted passionately to Gaikwad’s exclusion:
- Many feel he deserves more opportunities, especially after his century and consistent domestic performances.
- Some argue Gaikwad was primarily a back-up option while Iyer was injured, and with fitness restored, the team’s balance shifted.
- A vocal subset believes that team dynamics and seniority often overshadow performance.
These online discussions reflect broader fan sentiments — part admiration for Gaikwad’s flair, part frustration at the perceived lack of consistent opportunities.
Gaikwad’s Growth and Challenges
Born on 31 January 1997, Ruturaj Gaikwad first made his mark in domestic cricket and quickly established himself as one of India’s brightest batting talents. He became a key figure for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly known for his elegant strokeplay and composure at the crease.
Despite his success in the IPL and occasional opportunities for India in T20Is and ODIs, Gaikwad’s international career has been start-stop — facing intermittent omissions and limited chances to cement his place.
His story underscores the fierce competition in Indian cricket, where even match-winning performances don’t always guarantee future selections.
What Lies Ahead?
With the New Zealand ODI series underway in three major Indian venues — Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore — Gaikwad’s journey will need to continue outside the national ODI arena for now. A strong return in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and upcoming domestic fixtures could help him force his way back into selectors’ considerations.
There’s also the possibility of him making a case through future T20I opportunities or by peaking again in the IPL — where performances are closely monitored by selectors ahead of international assignments.
Conclusion: A Test of Resilience
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series has sparked debate, introspection, and strong opinions from across the cricketing world. From veteran voices urging resilience and perseverance, to critics questioning selection logic, this episode highlights the tough realities of modern Indian cricket.
For Gaikwad himself, the message from supporters and former players alike is unanimous: keep fighting — remain mentally strong, perform consistently, and continue his quest to represent India at the highest level.
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