Ruturaj Gaikwad's aspiration for a consistent spot in India's ODI squad remains a talking point within cricket circles, even after the squad selection for the upcoming series against New Zealand. While he didn't make the cut for this particular series, sources suggest that the door isn't closed on his ODI career.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Shubman Gill, having recovered from an injury, has made a comeback to the ODI team. Shreyas Iyer has also returned to the team as vice-captain.
Gaikwad's omission from the squad has sparked discussions, especially considering his performance in the recent past. He scored a century in the second ODI against South Africa and wasn't able to bat in the third ODI. Despite this, the selectors opted to leave him out for the New Zealand series, a decision that is believed to be part of a broader strategy.
Agarkar addressed the media and stated that selecting only 15 players is a challenge, and sometimes deserving players have to miss out. He acknowledged that every player who is left out feels disappointed, but the aim is to create the best possible team balance.
Several factors could be influencing the selection decisions. Shubman Gill's return to the squad after recovering from a foot injury has certainly impacted the top-order dynamics. With other established players like Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in contention, competition for spots is intense.
There is also the question of finding the right balance between experienced players and emerging talent. Gaikwad's adaptability, demonstrated by his century against South Africa while batting at No. 4, has given the selectors food for thought. However, Iyer's return brings stability, experience, and leadership to the middle order.
Furthermore, the team management is keeping an eye on workload management, with key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya potentially being rested for the New Zealand series with the T20 World Cup in mind. This provides opportunities for other players to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for future selection.
While Gaikwad may be disappointed with his non-selection for the New Zealand ODIs, it's important to note that the situation is fluid. Continuous performance in domestic cricket and India A matches will keep him in contention. As Agarkar himself has indicated, opportunities can arise due to injuries or loss of form of other players. Gaikwad will need to remain focused and be ready to seize any opportunity that comes his way to make a strong case for an ODI recall.
