Revealed: Why Ruturaj Gaikwad Is Not Included In India's Playing XI In 1st T20I vs Sri Lanka

Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was made unavailable for selection in the first T20I against Sri Lanka after he complained of pain in his wrist. Gaikwad is currently vying for the opening slot with Ishan Kishan.

Although he played the final T20I against West Indies, he couldn’t get going. He was expected to be present in the first T20I against the visiting Lankans but it isn’t to be, the BCCI has confirmed.

“UPDATE – Ruturaj Gaikwad complained of pain in his right wrist, which is affecting his batting. He was unavailable for selection for the first T20I. The BCCI Medical Team is examining him,” the statement from BCCI read.

UPDATE – Ruturaj Gaikwad complained of pain in his right wrist, which is affecting his batting. He was unavailable for selection for the first T20I. The BCCI Medical Team is examining him.@Paytm #INDvSL

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2022

“Nothing changes as far as the goals of the team are concerned, need to do the right things as a team, need to keep ticking all the right boxes. Ruturaj was supposed to play but he has a wrist injury and will not play today,” skipper Rohit Sharma said at the toss.

Meanwhile, the Indian team made six changes from their final T20I against West Indies. Deepak Hooda was handed his debut cap while the series also marks the return of Ravindra Jadeja, who was out injured. Jasprit Bumrah also returns to the setup as the vice-captain.

Sanju Samson received a callup and will feature in the playing XI in the absence of regular wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant, who has been rested for the series. Venkatesh Iyer continues to be the bowling all-rounder who can function as the finisher for the batting lineup.

India’s playing XI for the first T20I:

Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.

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