Ruturaj Gaikwad had a record-breaking outing in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022, where he not only topped the charts in run-making but also scored 660 runs in 5 matches with 4 centuries to his name and the highest score of 220* at an average of 220.

He helped Maharashtra get into the finals of the tournament, where he once more, hit a century, but couldn’t prevent Saurashtra from winning the title.  He also became the first batter to hit 7 sixes in an over in List-A cricket and hit the most runs- 43 in an over.

While this brilliant run of form has begun calls for his inclusion in India’s ODI plans on the road to the 2023 World Cup at home, veteran spinner R Ashwin pointed out a harsh reality pertaining to Gaikwad's chances in the Indian team.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan bats for Kuldeep and Chahal to be included in the Indian ODI team

Ashwin highlighted that being an opener, Gaikwad faces some stiff competition from multiple batters for that spot at the top of the batting lineup. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are opening for India and the likes of Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant are waiting in wings for their chances.

“Since he is from India, whom will he replace? Not even replace but look at whom he is competing with. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and we have Rishabh Pant opening as well. India is becoming a difficult country to genuinely play cricket. I mean, competition for one spot is heating up. And Ruturaj is not heating it up; he has taken the solar panel on his head and scored runs for fun. Amazing, very well done, Ruturaj Gaikwad,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“I am sure all the CSK fans are super happy. It will be a matter of time before Ruturaj Gaikwad sets the world stage on fire,” Ashwin added.

Talking about the ODI series against Bangladesh, India has picked Rohit and Dhawan as the openers along with backup in Ishan Kishan.