Former India selector Dilip Vengsarkar has suggested that the BCCI take a look at youth batting sensation Ruturaj Gaikwad and get him in the squad at the earliest. He said that the Maharashtra batsman is already 24 years old and there is no point in bringing him after 28. Vengsarkar’s remarks as the BCCI is all set to pick a squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting January 19.
Read also | Youngsters Ruturaj Gaikwad, Venkatesh Iyer field for South Africa ODI as Shikhar Dhawan declines in form
Orange cap holder Gaikwad was recently promoted as the captain of his state side for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has been scoring heavily, with 259 runs in five matches at an average of over 60. It includes three back-to-back tones. He scored 136 against Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday and 154* against Chhattisgarh a day later. He then played an innings of 124 against Kerala, albeit due to defeat.
“You have to pick a guy in the form. How many more runs will he have to score to prove himself? It’s time the selectors pick him up and give him a fair chance.”
“He (Gaikwad) can bat at number 3 as well. He should be included in the team. It is not like 18 or 19 Ruturaj. He is 24 years old now. There is no point in choosing him when he turns 28.”
Read also | Childhood coach’s reaction to Virat Kohli’s sacking as ODI captain, ‘There is absolutely no transparency’
There are several reports which say that Gaekwad will be the frontrunner for South Africa ODIs along with Venkatesh Iyer. While the BCCI has announced Rohit Sharma as the next captain of the ODI team, the team for the series is yet to be finalised. It remains to be seen how many rookies the selectors take into account of the bubble-life and workload management for a 50-over contest.
get all IPL news and cricket score Here
,