The Indian cricket fans were left frustrated after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s name was missing from the playing XI for the ongoing second match of the ongoing 3-match ODI series against West Indies. The 2nd ODI is taking place at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. Team India is currently leading the 3-match ODI series by 1-0, having won the first ODI match by 5 wickets on July 27th.
Ruturaj Ignored Once Again
The senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli decided to sit out of the 2nd ODI match. Hardik Pandya is leading the team in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. While both the senior players have been rested for the game, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel have been included in the playing XI.
At the toss, Hardik revealed that both Rohit and Virat have been rested as the team management is keen on giving a chance to the youngsters. He said:
“We were looking to bat first. We want to see how much we can score on this pitch which is a bit up and down. Rohit and Virat have been playing constant cricket, so they are resting in this game.
“They can be fresh for the third ODI. I think when you get someone out for 115, it’s a good effort from the bowlers. Our catching was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas. Instead of losing five wickets, we could have lost only two wickets and finished the last game. Sanju and Axar come in for Rohit and Virat,”
Fans Were Disappointed With Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Absence
However, fans were once again left disappointed after learning that Ruturaj Gaikwad was overlooked yet again. Several fans and experts are taking to their social media and expressing their disappointment as they felt that Ruturaj Gaikwad might have been a like-for-like replacement for any one of Rohit and Virat as he is naturally a top-order batter.
Fans are slamming the team management for not giving him a chance to Ruturaj Gaikwad and going with Axar Patel when the XI already had six bowling options.
Check out the reactions of the fans:
Petition for Suryakumar Yadav to wear Ruturaj Gaikwad's jersey while fielding this match. We wanna see something. pic.twitter.com/cff1regrk5
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) July 29, 2023
It's Clear PR Doesn't Matter Performance And Skills Matter.
Ruturaj Gaikwad >>> Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/gEI3ldjr3O
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) July 29, 2023
It Is Clear That Rahul Dravid Hates Ruturaj Gaikwad.#SackDravid pic.twitter.com/DOHHISAuWx
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) July 29, 2023
https://twitter.com/imAnthoni_/status/1685294505824759808?s=20
What Is The Hatred With Ruturaj Gaikwad ? Why They Are Not Giving Chance To Ruturaj Gaikwad ? pic.twitter.com/SvgOeashzE
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) July 29, 2023
Playing With 3 Spinners But Will Not Give Chance To Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The Ch*tiye Coach Rahul Dravid Bc. pic.twitter.com/YPigjMXKnT
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) July 29, 2023
They way BCCI is treating him , the day is not far When Ruturaj Gaikwad will become Poster boy for Bisleri . pic.twitter.com/5QZoVkYEaB
— MAHIYANK™ (@Mahiyank_78) July 29, 2023
Ruturaj Gaikwad in List A Cricket :
4034 Runs
61.12 Average
101.05 SRDo you think he deserves a chance in the Indian ODI XI? #IndvsWI #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/DqBgo2tRgB
— Foresay Sports (@ForesayCricket) July 29, 2023
Shreyas Iyer with all his limitations has better temperament than Rahul , Surya, Samson, Ishan , Ruturaj
— Manan(RR's version) (@Sudharja_kamine) July 29, 2023
https://twitter.com/77thHundredWhen/status/1685278679088472064?s=20
https://twitter.com/imAnthoni_/status/1685282005481828352?s=20
Playing XIs of IND vs WI 2nd ODI:
West Indies (Playing XI): Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales.
India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan(w), Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
