Can Ruturaj Gaikwad Fill the Void if Shreyas Iyer Misses the SA Series?

India is preparing itself for the ODI series against South Africa, which starts from 30 November. For the same, Ruturaj Gaikwad is eager to make his comeback with some great performances for India A in the South Africa A series. Can he finally get a place in the Indian team this time?

As the Test series between India and South Africa goes on, both teams are also preparing for the ODI series. It is expected to be a big one, noting their face offs lately, in the ICC events. With the ODI series starting from 30 November, Ruturaj Gaikwad is also eager to make his comeback to the team, as the squads

India A is currently having an unofficial ODI series against South Africa A. In this, Ruturaj Gaikwad has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. Smashing match winning knocks in both games, he is also giving a statement of intent to the BCCI Selectors. This series will also play an important role for him to get his spot in the Indian team.

1. Gaikwad in List A

Ruturaj Gaikwad has now established himself as India's finest player when it comes to the List A format. Whether he plays for India A in the unofficial ODIs or in the domestic tournaments such as Vijay Hazare Trophy, his performances have been improving for the team. And now, Gaikwad also holds impressive stats with the bat in this format.

Ruturaj Gaikwad in List A:

• Innings: 85
• Not Out: 7
• Runs: 4509
• Average: 57.80
• Strike Rate: 100.98
• 100s: 17
• 50s: 18

With such tremendous numbers, Gaikwad is making a statement of intent in the 50-over format. Although his form in the ODIs had not been good when he made his debut, it could now be the time when Gaikwad finally makes his comeback to the Indian team.

2. Gaikwad vs South Africa A

India A had announced its squad for the three match series against South Africa A, which were the unofficial ODIs. And after a long time, Ruturaj Gaikwad made his way back to the team in this format. He was a part of the team in the unofficial Tests, but watching him back in the 50-over format was a great moment

And Gaikwad ensured that he utilised this opportunity to a great extent. He was given the opening slot, and was sent to open for the team with Abhishek Sharma. In the first match, India was given a target of 286 runs, where Gaikwad showed that he is working hard to make his comeback

Gaikwad went on to score 117 runs off 129 balls in the game, which helped India A to win the match. He was also given the Player of the Match award for India A in this game. With this win, the team entered the second game of the series, and this time the bowlers were able to put up a dominant show South Africa A batsmen.

India A was able to bowl out South Africa A for just 132 runs. In the chase, the team went on to win the game by 9 wickets, also winning the series with one game to go. Ruturaj Gaikwad also ended up scoring 68 runs off 83 balls in this chase, scoring more than half runs alone.

3. Iyer's Doubt for ODI Series

Shreyas Iyer suffered a serious injury in the India tour of Australia. During the second ODI, Iyer attempted to take a catch while running backwards but he fell in an awkward position. Eventually, he hit hard on his chest and injured his spleen, which led to internal bleeding. He spent a few days in the ICU at the Sydney Hospital

Taking a look at his injury, it is clear to the fans that he may not be able to make it to the series against South Africa. In his place, India will be needing someone who could bat for the team at number four and even score runs. With Gaikwad showcasing his worth to the team in the List A games, it could finally help him to get a spot in the Indian team after his last ODI game in 2023.