It’s a story that defies logic. On one hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad is rewriting cricket history with a bat in his hand. On the other, selectors are leaving him out of the very team he’s seemingly destined to anchor. The contradiction has left fans, pundits, and former players scratching their heads.
In a stunning display of consistency and class during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026, Gaikwad blasted an unbeaten 134—his 20th century in List A cricket. But it wasn’t just another ton. It came in his 95th innings, making him the fastest batter in the world to reach that milestone, leapfrogging icons like Virat Kohli (103 innings) and Babar Azam (110 innings) . He also became the quickest Indian to 5,000 List A runs—a feat that cements his status as a domestic titan .
Table of Contents
- Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Historic Milestones: By the Numbers
- The Shocking Omission from India’s ODI Squad
- Why His Form Can’t Be Ignored
- CSK Captaincy and Future Prospects
- What the Experts Are Saying
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Historic Milestones: By the Numbers
Gaikwad’s latest knock wasn’t just about personal glory—it was a statistical masterclass:
- 20 List A centuries in just 95 innings (previous record: Shubman Gill – 98 innings).
- 5,000+ List A runs at an average of 56.82 and strike rate of 89.4.
- Only player in the world with 3+ Vijay Hazare Trophy titles as captain (2020–21, 2022–23, 2025–26).
- Recent ODI century against South Africa in December 2025, proving he can deliver on the international stage .
These aren’t fluke performances. They’re the result of relentless discipline, technical refinement, and an uncanny ability to build innings under pressure—qualities that define elite openers.
The Shocking Omission from India’s ODI Squad
Despite this avalanche of form, Gaikwad was nowhere to be found in India’s 18-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026 . The selectors opted for a mix of established names (Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill) and experimental picks (Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajat Patidar), but left out the man with the hottest bat in Indian domestic cricket.
The decision is especially puzzling given that India is actively searching for a stable opening partner for Gill in white-ball cricket. Gaikwad’s temperament, adaptability across conditions, and proven ability to convert starts into big scores make him the ideal candidate—yet he’s being treated as an afterthought.
Why His Form Can’t Be Ignored
Ignoring Gaikwad isn’t just unfair—it’s strategically risky. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India needs batters who can consistently post 80+ scores. Gaikwad has done that repeatedly, not just in India but in overseas conditions during India A tours.
His technique against spin is elite, and his cover drive remains one of the purest in modern cricket. More importantly, he doesn’t rely on brute power; he accumulates, rotates, and accelerates intelligently—making him perfect for the middle overs of an ODI innings when the field spreads.
CSK Captaincy and Future Prospects
Adding to his rising stature, Gaikwad has been named captain of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026—a massive vote of confidence from MS Dhoni and the franchise management . Leading a legacy team like CSK will test his leadership under global scrutiny, but if his domestic captaincy record is any indicator, he’s more than ready.
This dual role—as a record-breaking run-machine and a franchise leader—should only strengthen his case for national selection. After all, the BCCI often cites “leadership experience” as a criterion for senior team inclusion.
What the Experts Are Saying
Former India selector Saba Karim didn’t mince words: “Leaving out Ruturaj after this kind of form is baffling. You don’t find openers like him every day” . Similarly, ESPNcricinfo’s Sidharth Monga noted that Gaikwad’s “consistency quotient is off the charts—he’s the safest bet among India’s next-gen batters.”
Even international observers are taking notice. As per data from ESPNcricinfo, Gaikwad’s last 24 months in List A cricket have yielded more runs and centuries than any other active batter worldwide .
Final Summary
Ruturaj Gaikwad isn’t just having a good season—he’s authoring a legacy. By breaking records held by Kohli and Babar, he’s proven he belongs at the highest level. His continued omission from the Indian ODI squad isn’t just a selection oversight; it’s a missed opportunity to build a future-proof batting lineup. With CSK captaincy on his resume and the World Cup in sight, the question isn’t whether Gaikwad deserves a spot—it’s how long selectors can justify keeping him out.
Sources
- Times of India. (2026, January 9). Ruturaj creates history: Cricketer breaks multiple records; surpasses Kohli and Babar. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/ruturaj-gaikwad-creates-history-breaks-multiple-records-surpasses-virat-kohli-and-babar-azam/articleshow/126416464.cms
- ESPNcricinfo. (2026). Ruturaj Gaikwad Profile & Career Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com
- BCCI. (2026, January 5). India’s ODI Squad for New Zealand Tour Announced.
- Indian Express. (2026, January 8). “Baffling omission”: Experts react to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exclusion.
- Chennai Super Kings Official. (2026, January 7). Ruturaj Gaikwad Named CSK Captain for IPL 2026.