IND vs WI: It Would Be Unfortunate If Ruturaj Gaikwad Does Not Play For A Long Time For India: Salman Butt

Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt wants Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad to get an opportunity to play in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies.

Ruturaj was named in India’s ODI squad that will be led by Rohit Sharma for the first time since he replaced Virat Kohli as the ODI captain.

Ruturaj, who made his T20 International debut against Sri Lanka last year, was part of the squad for New Zealand (T20Is) and South Africa (ODIs) white-ball matches but warmed the bench in all six games.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22, Ruturaj slammed four centuries from five innings to accumulate 603 runs at a staggering average of 150.75. His highest score of 168 came against Chandigarh at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium C in Rajkot.

Hope Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a chance, he is a fantastic player: Salman Butt

Butt said that Ruturaj has the potential to replicate his batting brilliance in the international stage and it would be unfortunate if he does not get a long run in the Indian team.

“I hope Gaikwad gets a chance, he is a fantastic player. From the time I saw him in the IPL, I have said that it will be great to watch him do well in international cricket. It would be unfortunate if he does not play for a long time for India because he has all the makings of being a top-class player,” Butt said on his YouTube channel.

Ruturaj had an unforgettable season with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. He was one of the architects of the Yellow Army in their fourth IPL title win.

In the final match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Ruturaj surpassed Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul’s tally of 626 runs and became the youngest batter to clinch the orange cap in the tournament’s history.

CSK retains Ruturaj Gaikwad for IPL 2022

Ruturaj scored 635 runs from 16 innings at an impressive strike rate of 136.26 with the help of four 50-plus scores and a whirlwind century against Rajasthan Royals.

The Maharashtra batter was also retained by CSK for IPL 2022 along with veteran skipper MS Dhoni, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali.

India will play against West Indies in three ODI matches and as many T20I series, the bilateral series begins with the first ODI on February 6 in Ahmedabad.

Also Read: Selectors Think He Will Do Wonders For Indian Team – Chetan Sharma On Ruturaj Gaikwad