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Top order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad returned to India's ODI squad as the Men in Blue announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa. The 28-year-old's last ODI appearance came on December 19, 2023, where he scored four runs off two balls against South Africa in Gqeberha.
Ruturaj showed stunning form for India A in the recently concluded three-match One-Day series against South Africa A. He was the leading run-scorer of the rubber, amassing 210 runs across three innings.
He played a 117-run knock from 129 deliveries in the opening fixture. The selectors rewarded him for the performances by giving him a chance for the South Africa home series.
India ODI captain Shubman Gill's neck injury may have also played a role in Ruturaj's inclusion. The skipper was ruled out of the series due to a neck injury.
Several fans expressed their excitement over Ruturaj Gaikwad's selection after the squad announcement. Here are some of the top reactions on X:
We asked for class… We asked for timing… We asked for stability… Bcci answered: Ruturaj Gaikwad – ODI squad vs SA. 🇮🇳 🔥
@mufaddal_vohra ✨ "FINALLY! Desh ka sabse underrated opener… gets the chance he truly deserves
Time to show the world who you are... Time to Shine Ruturaj Dashrath Gaikwad 🔥🔥🔥
@mufaddal_vohra Ruturaj Gaikwad finally gets some much needed recognition after strong domestic performances and crucial batting against the South Africa A team. He should be considered either as an opener or as a No. 4/5 option, since he can both open the innings and build them steadily.
@mufaddal_vohra Excellent pick! Shows that if you get runs you will be picked
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s stellar domestic run — with multiple big scores and 4 POTMs in 6 games — makes him a clear contender for India’s Test and ODI squads. Ruturaj Gaikwad back in team india.
Senior wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was named as the stand-in captain for the three games, with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also ruled out. The first ODI will be played at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Sunday, November 30.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was the Player of the Series in IND A vs SA 2025 One-Dayers
The Tilak Varma-led India A kicked off the series against South Africa A with a four-wicket win in Rajkot. Ruturaj Gaikwad's century helped the home team chase the 286-run target in 49.3 overs.
South Africa A were bundled out for just 132 in the subsequent fixture. Ruturaj shone with the bat in the low-scoring match, remaining unbeaten on 68 off 83 balls in India A's nine-wicket win.
The visitors claimed a consolation win in the third match, defending a 326-run target. Ruturaj got off to a decent start, contributing 25 runs off 30 balls. However, India A were ultimately bowled out for 252.
Ruturaj was adjudged the Player of the Series for his fantastic batting exploits. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star has played six ODIs so far in his career and has 115 runs to his name at an average of 19.16.
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Edited by Aditya Suketu Desai
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