IND vs NZ: 3 reasons why Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped from India's ODI squad against New Zealand

Ruturaj scored 8 and 105 in the two matches he played against South Africa.

The 28-year-old Ruturaj Gaikwad might be feeling disappointed after being left out of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ).

The opener loses his place despite scoring a splendid century in his previous outing for the country, an innings that came under pressure after the fall of two early wickets. Moreover, Gaikwad scored a brilliant 124 against Uttarakhand and a quick 66 against Mumbai in his most recent Vijay Hazare outings.

However, team selection often hinges on luck, balance, and the right combination rather than talent alone. Unfortunately for the CSK batter, he has rarely been afforded a long run in any format for India, with every appearance carrying significant weight in determining his international future.

Given India’s formidable batting depth, now closely resembling the top five that won the Champions Trophy in 2025 and reached the ICC World Cup final in 2023, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s omission is disappointing, yet understandable.

3. The retention of Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI comeback in the South Africa series, but began poorly with consecutive failures in the first two matches. However, he managed to turn things around in the third match, scoring 116 runs off 121 balls, and remained unbeaten during the run chase.

The southpaw reminded the world of his potential and ability when he is on song. However, with the return of skipper Shubman Gill, Jaiswal will be a backup option.

The selectors had to pick at least one backup opener, and since Jaiswal has done the job for India consistently at the top of the order, he was preferred over Gaikwad.

2. The need for a backup wicket-keeper in Rishabh Pant

Any 15-man squad always consists of a backup wicket-keeping option. Hence, Gaikwad was never in the running for this. Rishabh Pant did not get his chance in the recently concluded ODI series. However, after much speculation, he has managed to retain his position in the team.

The BCCI selectors had another option in Ishan Kishan, who could fulfill the roles of both opener and wicketkeeper. On doing so, they could have dropped Jaiswal and then selected Gaikwad as the middle-order backup batter.

However, they have decided not to experiment and stick with Pant, who is yet to deliver in the 50-over format.

1. The return of Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has been India’s best No. 4 batter for a long time. He solved India’s no. 4 position problem and delivered outstanding results whenever he wore the Indian jersey.

After suffering a spleen injury during the Australia tour, Iyer has seemed to recover and will join the squad as the vice captain.

Iyer’s position was never a question, and hence, he was always going to walk into the playing XI directly, ahead of both Gaikwad and Tilak Varma. However, Shreyas must meet the BCCI’s medical clearance protocols.

He is set to feature in Mumbai’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh, which will act as his second mandatory simulation. The national selectors will only consider him fully fit for white ball cricket once he comes through both matches without any physical issues.

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