Ruturaj Gaikwad received three consecutive reprieves during the third ODI against the West Indies in New Chandigarh on Saturday, October 3. The Indian batter survived three catching chances in just 17 deliveries as the West Indies struggled to hold on to their opportunities after India lost two early wickets.
The West Indies had made a strong start with the ball after India chose to bat first. Jayden Seales removed Shubman Gill for one before dismissing Virat Kohli for a golden duck on the next delivery, leaving the home team in early trouble and putting pressure on Rohit Sharma and the middle order.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Survives Three Catches in Three Consecutive Overs
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s first reprieve came in the 11th over when he tried to glance a delivery from Alzarri Joseph down the leg side. The ball flew towards wicketkeeper Shai Hope, who moved quickly to his left but could not complete a difficult one-handed catch.
The Indian batter received another life just eight deliveries later. Keemo Paul bowled a short delivery, and Gaikwad pulled it towards mid-wicket. Amir Jangoo reacted quickly and dived to his right, getting his fingertips to the ball, but could not hold on. Gaikwad picked up three runs from the shot.
The third chance proved the most expensive of the three. Joseph bowled a back-of-a-length delivery, which Gaikwad pulled firmly behind square. The ball travelled straight towards Vitel Lawes at deep fine leg, but the fielder failed to hold a reverse-cup catch.
The ball went through Lawes’ hands and crossed the boundary for six, giving Gaikwad his first boundary and another major reprieve. The three chances came within 17 deliveries and allowed him to remain at the crease after India’s early setbacks.
India Make Three Changes; West Indies Also Shuffle Playing XI
Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first as India made three changes to their playing XI. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Anshul Kamboj, and Mohammed Siraj came into the side, replacing Ravindra Jadeja, Auqib Nabi, and Prasidh Krishna.
The West Indies also made three changes for the series finale. Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde, and Gudakesh Motie replaced Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, and Shamar Joseph.
India then endured a difficult start with the bat as Jayden Seales struck twice in the third over. The pacer dismissed Gill for one off six balls before removing Virat Kohli for a golden duck.
Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings after the early setbacks. India reached 59/2 after 15 overs, with Rohit batting on 33 off 49 balls and Gaikwad on 24 off 34.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ODI Spot Could Be Under Pressure After Shreyas Iyer’s Return
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s place in India’s first-choice ODI XI could come under pressure once Shreyas Iyer returns to the squad. Gaikwad has featured at No. 4 during Iyer’s absence from the West Indies series, but Iyer is expected to reclaim his place.
Gaikwad earned his opportunity after Iyer travelled to Japan to lead India’s T20I side at the 2026 Asian Games. The right-hander has traditionally opened in domestic cricket and the IPL, but his ODI appearances have been limited since his international debut in 2022.
Before the ongoing match, Gaikwad had scored 272 runs in 11 ODIs at an average of 34.00 and a strike rate of 87.74, including one century and one fifty. His highest score was 105 against South Africa while batting at No. 4.
The current opportunity also gives the selectors a chance to assess Gaikwad ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. He could remain in contention as a reserve batter who can cover multiple positions, although his performances will be an important factor in determining his role going forward.
