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‘Thank you Gautam Gambhir’: CSKians over the moon as Ruturaj Gaikwad plays over Rishabh Pant in Ranchi ODI

By Rashmi Wasnik

Published - 30 Nov 2025, 01:58 PM

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The India National Cricket Team has yet again lost the toss, and South Africa invited the hosts to bat first at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi in the three-match ODI series opener on Sunday (November 30). However, it was Ruturaj Gaikwad’s inclusion that turned more heads.

KL Rahul is leading the Men in Blue in the three-match ODI series against South Africa after Shubman Gill was ruled out with a neck injury, while the vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is also recovering from his injury. After losing the toss, Rahul said that he would have chosen to bowl first too.

India lose toss again as South Africa opt to bowl in 1st ODI

India’s stand-in captain said that the team’s preparation has been solid and the players, especially returning Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have brought fresh energy. The focus in the camp is to enjoy the game and make the most of every chance they get in the ODI setup.

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KL Rahul said at the toss in Ranchi, “We need to use every opportunity we get in the ODI team; this is a great chance to challenge our skills against a very good team.”

Meanwhile, India went with three spinners—Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav—as well as three fast bowlers—Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna—for the first ODI against the Proteas side at the JSCA International Stadium Complex.

Ruturaj Gaikwad play at No. 4 in Ranchi ODI

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma returned to his opening position, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will share the duty at the top with him. Virat Kohli also retained his number three spot, but the Indian think tank stunned everyone by drafting comeback man Ruturaj Gaikwad at number four.

Gaikwad last played an ODI against the same opposition—South Africa—in 2023, while his last appearance in the national jersey was against Zimbabwe during the T20I series last year. Well, the right-handed batter has been in sublime form, and that worked in his favor.

For the first ODI in Ranchi, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been preferred over Rishabh Pant for the middle-order spot, given his ongoing stunning form in domestic cricket. Pant was overlooked for the ODI series opener, as Rahul will also do the wicketkeeping job and will bat at No. 6.

Ruturaj Gaikwad batted only twice at No.4

Washington Sundar will come after Gaikwad to bat in the lineup, and then Ravindra Jadeja, who is also making an ODI comeback after being overlooked for the Australia tour.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli to run campaign against India

Notably, Gaikwad mainly plays as an opener, and his most dominant performances have come from the top of the order, but he has been considered for the number four slot in ODIs.

The Maharashtra batter only once played in the IPL at No. 4 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and batted once at this position for India against South Africa and scored 4 runs in an ODI.

Here's how fans react to Ruturaj Gaikwad finally getting a chance:

India XI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (C/WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna


Tagged:

Ruturaj Gaikwad India National Cricket Team India vs South Africa Rishabh Pant Gautam Gambhir South Africa National Cricket Team

About the Author

Rashmi Wasnik
Rashmi Wasnik

Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ... Read more

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