Legendary India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a brutally honest assessment of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series, revealing that the selection came down to a “straight choice” between Ruturaj and Rishabh Pant—with Pant having the advantage of being a left-hander. Ashwin empathized with Gaikwad’s predicament but admitted the harsh reality: “Ruturaj will likely get a long run in ODIs only after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire from the format.”

Ashwin: “Straight choice between Ruturaj and Pant”

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin acknowledged that many expected Ruturaj to be included after scoring a century against South Africa in the recently concluded series. However, the BCCI selection committee opted for Pant instead, primarily because of his left-handedness and his dual role as a wicketkeeper-batter.

“Could Gaikwad have been kept in the squad? I think that was a real possibility,” Ashwin remarked, reflecting the thoughts of many fans.

The former India spinner feels the selectors had to pick one player between Ruturaj and Pant, with the latter being preferred for balance reasons.

“Between a second wicketkeeper and a batter, you can get a keeper from anywhere to cover,” Ashwin opined, suggesting that Ruturaj’s batting talent should have been prioritized over having a backup wicketkeeper.

Ashwin sticks his neck out: Ruturaj can bat at four or five

Ashwin didn’t hold back on his admiration for Gaikwad’s technical prowess, suggesting that the 27-year-old could be a versatile anchor capable of transforming into a middle-order option.

“At four or five, I’m sticking my neck out, his batting against spin, his running between the wickets, and his ability to close out an innings is phenomenal,” Ashwin said.

While many see Ruturaj as a traditional opener, Ashwin believes his skill set makes him suitable for the middle order, particularly given his ability to play spin bowling and accelerate when needed.

Ashwin asserted that Shreyas Iyer’s return from injury was “undisputed, as it was his rightful position.” However, the choice to prioritize a second specialist keeper felt like a missed opportunity to harness a rare batting talent like Ruturaj.

“My main concern is Ruturaj’s mindset”

Ashwin admitted he is worried about the psychological impact of repeated omissions on Gaikwad’s confidence and mindset.

“My main concern is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s mindset. His T20 numbers are excellent, yet he doesn’t get consistent opportunities. Right now, it’s a straight choice between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rishabh Pant, with Pant having the advantage of being a left-hander,” Ashwin said.

The former spinner’s concern is rooted in the reality that talented players can lose confidence and belief when they are repeatedly overlooked despite strong performances.

Way forward: Wait for Kohli and Rohit to retire

Ashwin laid out the harsh reality for Gaikwad: the path forward is blocked by legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom continue to dominate India’s ODI batting lineup.

“Ruturaj will likely get a long run in ODIs only after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire from the format,” Ashwin admitted.

It is a test of patience as much as skill. The message is clear: in the theatre of Indian cricket, the only thing a player can control is their preparedness for the opportunity, whenever the door opens.

Ashwin’s message: “Never give up”

Ashwin also took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer a final piece of seasoned advice to the young batter:

“No matter how you feel. Get up, dress up, pad up, show up and never give up. It can be hard to miss but such is the competition for places in the Indian team. #RuturajGaikwad”

The message resonated with fans and players alike, underscoring the brutal competition for places in the Indian team and the need for relentless perseverance.