Former Indian batter and cricket expert, Aakash Chopra, was disappointed with Ruturaj Gaikwad's performance with the bat in the recent five-match T20I series against South Africa.
The 31-year-old Maharashtra opener could manage only 96 runs at a disappointing average of 19.20 in the T20I series against South Africa at home, and Chopra feels he didn't do justice to his selection and now he must score runs to be in contention for India's selection with many waiting for their chances.
However, Gaikwad was backed by the national selectors since he made his debut in Sri Lanka, but he failed to make the most of his chances, scoring only 135 runs in 8 T20Is at an average of 16.88, which is really alarming for the batter, as there are many talented batters in line to grab the opportunity.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “I have kept Ruturaj Gaikwad's name above everyone else because there is a huge traffic jam at the top, you can call it Chandni Chowk or Crawford Market jam. There is a crowd there, there is no place for openers.”
He further explained, “If we see from this viewpoint, Ruturaj Gaikwad has gone way back. He played five matches, a lot of people played four only, because the last match was rained off, but Ruturaj had gotten out in that match, so it is five innings for him.”
Chopra concluded, “In five innings, if you have scored a total of 96 runs, unfortunately, it's not gonna cut it. I love Ruturaj Gaikwad, he is technically very compact, and has a very good playing style, but 96 runs in five innings, which includes a good knock of 57. That means the rest of the series was absolutely cold.”
