Century not enough? Irfan Pathan, R Ashwin react as Ruturaj Gaikwad misses IND vs NZ ODI squad
Irfan Pathan and Ravichandran Ashwin expressed shock after Ruturaj Gaikwad was left out of India’s ODI squad for the India vs New Zealand ODI series despite scoring a century, triggering a debate on selection consistency and form-based calls.
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a magnificent 106 in Ranchi but that performance was not enough to earn him a place in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. The decision confused many, including former stars Irfan Pathan and R Ashwin. With Shreyas Iyer returning as vice-captain, the selectors preferred to gain experience in the 15-man squad led by Shubman Gill. Gaikwad’s omission is a testament to the intense competition for places in Indian cricket, where even outstanding form does not guarantee selection.
Gaikwad has been in exceptional touch lately. Leading the Chennai Super Kings, he went one better with that century by striking a vital partnership with Virat Kohli at No. 4 in his last ODI appearance. Initially seen primarily as a backup opener, Gaikwad showed versatility and the ability to adapt to the middle order. However, opportunities in the ODI format remained scarce for the Maharashtra batsman despite his outstanding List A record (17 centuries at an average of 57.6 and 80-plus innings) topping the charts among players with 50 or more games played.
The exclusion did not go unnoticed. Irfan Pathan called the move “mind-blowing”, noting Gaikwad’s final century and drew parallels with Devdutt Padikkal, whose impressive List A average did not translate into the national selection. Pathan’s advice to Gaikwad was clear: keep running consistently.
Pathan wrote in a post on
It is mind-boggling that Ruturaj Gaekwad was not included in the squad despite scoring goals. This also shows that the competition in Indian cricket is on a completely different level. Devdutt Padikkal averages 83 in List A cricket but is nowhere near the ODI squad.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 3, 2026
Meanwhile, Gaikwad’s CSK teammate R Ashwin offered words of encouragement, highlighting resilience and perseverance in the face of tough competition.
“No matter how you feel. Get up, dress up, dress up, show up and never give up. It may be tough to miss out but such is the competition for a place in the Indian team,” Ashwin wrote.
It doesn’t matter how you feel.
Get up, get dressed, get dressed, show up and never give up.
It might be tough to miss out but such is the competition to get a place in the Indian team. #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/A1taarpMdF
— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) January 3, 2026
The squad named by the BCCI includes Gill as captain, along with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (as wicketkeeper), Iyer (vice-captain, subject to fitness), Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Iyer’s return effectively left Gaikwad behind as the selectors prioritized stability at the top of the order with Jaiswal, Rohit and Kohli. Mohammed Shami is absent and Siraj has been tasked with leading the pace attack. The selection points to a long-term vision with an eye on the 2027 World Cup, which leaves even in-form players like Gaikwad out due to a glut of talent.
Looking ahead, Gaikwad’s List A (over 4,800 runs at an average of over 57) underlines his potential to be a long-term asset for Indian cricket. However, for now, his opportunities in the A team remain limited. With the support of experienced players like Pathan and Ashwin, Gaikwad will try to strengthen his claim in tournaments like Vijay Hazare Trophy and IPL. While the New Zealand series (January 11-18) tests the core group, Gaikwad’s omission is a reminder of how fierce the fight for the India cap has become, where even unwavering consistency may not always be enough.
Also read| Why was Hardik Pandya left out of India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series? BCCI broke its silence
