What is one of the most exciting and power packed contests that awaits the Indian men’s cricket team about to begin this very weekend is the one of Test match that is taking place at Dharamsala against Afghanistan. With the Indian Premier League having recently come to a conclusion in its 2026 edition with RCB winning the prized cup, the Focus has shifted on the usual Indian cricket men’s calendar. And what that means is that regular cricketing duties must now prevail. So they have.
We now have Afghanistan touring India in 2026, and there is some exciting cricket contest in our midst. After the one of Test matched to begin at Dharamsala, in the next few hours, there’s gonna be a separate One- day leg of the series, which will feature three different games.
But the biggest shock in all of it came as of yesterday that is Thursday, June 4. Was that the best batsmen of world cricket which is Virat Kohli was ruled out of this impending series. The reason being a ligament tear.
Yes, you read that right, King Kohli is no longer available for this one day series, again Afghanistan. Now, as we have a big hole at the top of the order with Kohli occupying the vital number three spot four years together, the big question was who could come in place of the injured batting great.
That answer now has finally been found. It is none other than Ruturaj Gaekwad. The usual captain of the CSK franchise in the Indian Premier League, someone who’s been playing Indian cricket as seen in some series’ in the last 18 to 24 months, finally find a place in the one day spot that is even if he was not originally named to play.
Considered a technically correct batsman with a compact technique and skilled gatherer of runs, Ruturaj Gaekwad will surely consider this a solid and fresh opportunity to show the selectors what he got.
And make no mistake. Because it is a very good chance. What he has at his disposal disposal are three solid one day contest in which to prove his worth. He’s already made his debut for Indian men’s cricket team back in the day, but hasn’t found too many chances coming up his way. Finally, here is one in which to make count!
Was also important to note is that while champion cricketer in legends in the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are already stepping closer to the twilight period, the future of Indian cricket batting, especially in the Whiteball format, belongs to names like Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and talents like Gaekwad.
And where this particular series stands, it’ll be interesting to see Ruturaj holding on some interesting battles with the likes of Rashid Khan and company.
So, tell us your views? What do you think is gonna happen? And will Ruturaj Gaekwad be able to score some useful runs to remind selectors of his capability and temperament as a batter who could be used in the white ball arena?
