Ruturaj Gaikwad enters mysterious "Illness" list of Indian cricket team as he gets benched in 1st T20I vs South Africa

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been replaced by Shubman Gill in the playing XI against South Africa in the 2nd T20I.

After a bit of a shower at Gqeberha, finally the cricketing action is set to begin. India and South Africa will play the second T20I at St. George’s Park. South African skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and invited India to bat first. The first T20I between the two was washed out at Kingsmead in Durban and with only 2 more T20Is remaining in this series. India will be coming out to bat and will look to put runs on the board. 

India’s in-form opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is out of the playing XI due to a ‘mysterious illness’. BCCI in an official tweet stated, “Ruturaj Gaikwad was unavailable for selection for the 2nd T20I due to illness.” Gaikwad played a magnificent role for team India in the recently concluded five-match T20I series and scored a century in Guwahati. Shubman Gill is making his comeback in India’s T20I squad and is replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad out due to illness!

With Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the playing XI, fans were wondering whether Ruturaj Gaikwad was dropped deliberately from the squad or is he truly suffering from an illness. Indian team management had a history of making players sit out and make way for another citing injuries, illness, and a niggle. Avesh Khan was one of the examples where he was dropped from the playing XI in Asia Cup 2022 citing illness and was made to sit out for a year. 

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav also didn’t inform anything at the toss, it was only the broadcasters who highlighted the fact that Ruturaj Gaikwad will be sitting out due to illness. Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss, “We were confused about what to do, but now we are very happy to bat first. It’s an opportunity for everyone playing this game. The World Cup is still 5-6 months away. Just enjoy yourself is the message to the team.” 

Ruturaj Gaikwad was leading Indian squad in Asian Games 2023 and won the gold medal. He was appointed as the vice-captain of the team in the recently concluded five-match T20I series despite Shreyas Iyer being present for the final two games. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 223 runs in 4 innings for India at an average of 55.75 and smashed a magnificent century in Guwahati. India have lost both the openers early wicket, both of them went back without scoring.

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