Aakash Chopra explains why Ruturaj Gaikwad was not picked as Virat Kohli’s replacement for Afghanistan ODI series

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The India squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan received a significant update after a change was made to the lineup. The decision sparked discussion among fans and experts, particularly regarding the players who were in contention to earn a call-up.

Among the names that generated considerable debate was Ruturaj Gaikwad, who recently impressed with a century while representing India A. However, despite his strong performance and growing reputation in domestic and international cricket, the selectors opted for a different route when finalizing the squad.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra explained why he believes that the selection committee made the correct decision in not naming Gaikwad as Virat Kohli’s replacement for the Afghanistan ODI series. Kohli was ruled out of the three-match assignment due to a hamstring injury, prompting the selectors to bring Yashasvi Jaiswal into the squad. Chopra pointed out that the decision was influenced largely by team balance and the roles being considered for both players.

According to Chopra, Gaikwad is currently being viewed as a middle-order option rather than a top-order batter in India’s ODI plans. He highlighted that the right-hander recently scored a century while batting at No. 4 for India A, suggesting that the management is assessing him for that specific position.

“Why wasn’t Ruturaj Gaikwad picked as Virat Kohli’s replacement? As we speak, a tri-nation series is being played where Ruturaj Gaikwad has been selected as a vice-captain, and he has scored a hundred in the first match while batting at No. 4,” Chopra said.

The former opener further noted that neither Gaikwad nor Jaiswal was guaranteed a place in India’s playing XI for the Afghanistan series under normal circumstances. He added that opportunities in the middle order are currently limited, making regular game time elsewhere a more practical option for Gaikwad.

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Chopra also explained that Jaiswal’s selection was logical because he was already part of India’s setup for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. With the ODI series scheduled immediately after the Test, retaining him within the national squad simplified the transition.

“Since Yashasvi Jaiswal is an integral part of India’s Test team and was playing this Test as well, it just made a lot of sense to keep him only,” Chopra stated.

The 48-year-old added that spending time with India A could ultimately benefit Gaikwad more than sitting on the bench with the senior side. With Gaikwad currently serving as vice-captain and receiving consistent opportunities in the middle order, Chopra believes the batter is in a better position to strengthen his case for a future recall.

Also READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s heroic century steers India-A past Sri Lanka-A in nail-biting ODI Tri-Series clash