India’s squad for New Zealand ODI series was announced on Saturday. One of the biggest surprise was the omission of Ruturaj Gaikwad from the squad. Despite scoring a terrific hundred during the previous South Africa series, Ruturaj Gaikwad did not make it into the selectors final choice. This had left the fans angry with social media erupting to support Ruturaj Gaikwad. Many fans felt it was unfair on the right hand batter to not retain his place in the squad.
Earlier today playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ruturaj Gaikwad broken some records. He became the Indian with the highest batting average in List A cricket (minimum 3,000 runs). The milestone was achieved during his 66-run innings off 52 balls for Maharashtra against Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Jaipur on Saturday. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s remarkable achievement highlights his consistent performance in the format.
After his latest knock, Gaikwad now has a total of 4,904 runs in 97 List A matches at an impressive average of 57.69. This puts him ahead of Kohli, who has a batting average of 57.67 after scoring 16,207 runs in 344 matches. Let us look at how Twitter reacted to the news.
Harsha Bhogle on Ruturaj Gaikwad missing out on selection 🎙️ If you came out of nowhere, saw Ruturaj Gaikwad batting in his last 3, 4 games and you say If this man doesn't make it to the Indian team then this Indian team must be from another planet. pic.twitter.com/mBr2MFySA1
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@AaravMsd_07) January 3, 2026
🚨 UGLY POLITICS AGAINST RUTURAJ - Played him at 4 expecting failure - He scored a Hundred - Shifted to middle order & scored a century in VHT too - Still got dropped from the team He can open better than Jaiswal, he can bat at 3/4 still no place for him, Shame on you BCCI 🤬 pic.twitter.com/HwWjb6NDAC
— Navneet 🚩 (@MSDian067) January 3, 2026
Sometimes all a player needs is a slice of luck. Only 11 players can make it to the team so it is important that player is present at the right place at the right time and takes the opportunity with both hands. Ruturaj Gaikwad was waiting for fortune to turn in his favour. It finally did. In November, he returned to India’s ODI team after nearly two years. He has an average of 57 in List A and despite those numbers Ruturaj Gaikwad could not break into the team with Shreyas Iyer returning to the side. Fans thought it was unfair that he could not make it to the 15.
Harsh on Ruturaj Gaikwad. He did well in the last ODI series but once Shreyas Iyer is fit, this was bound to happen. pic.twitter.com/MPxsK49HNI
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) January 3, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad in his last ODI Innings - Hundred. - No place in the next series 🤯 A Big decision by the Selectors. pic.twitter.com/inEW93qA18
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 3, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad also could not secure a place as the backup opener despite his 105-run knock in the second game against South Africa as Jaiswal got a century in the third game while Ruturaj was not required to bat.
One month later, Gaikwad was dropped from India’s ODI squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the return of Shreyas, Shubman and Mohammed Siraj. Gaikwad, one of the casualties, and Dhruv Jurel and Tilak Varma were the others.
