The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Saturday, announced the men’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, set to begin on October 6. Notably absent from the lineup was dynamic batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, which has sparked discussions among fans and cricket analysts alike.

Reason for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exclusion

Despite impressive performances in recent matches, including the Duleep Trophy, Gaikwad was overlooked for selection. The BCCI opted for a fresh squad led by Suryakumar Yadav, with notable inclusions such as fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who earned his maiden call-up, and the return of spinner Varun Chakaravarthy after a three-year hiatus.

Gaikwad’s exclusion is particularly surprising given that he captained India to a gold medal victory at the 2023 Asian Games and was expected to be a strong contender for a spot in the T20I squad, especially with regulars like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal rested. Instead, Abhishek Sharma was chosen as the sole specialist opener, leaving fans questioning the selectors’ decision-making process.

However, Ruturaj has been included in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Trophy, which runs from October 1 to 5, just before the T20I series begins. This scheduling likely influenced his exclusion from the T20I squad, as selectors prioritized players who could contribute without overlapping commitments.

Also READ: Irani Cup 2024 – Ruturaj Gaikwad to captain Rest of India as BCCI announces 15-member squad

Reactions of fans on Ruturaj’s absence

The decision has not sat well with fans on social media, many of whom expressed their disappointment and frustration over what they perceive as “politics” within the selection process.

No Ruturaj Gaikwad For T20Is vs BAN

– No Shubman Gill
– No Yashasvi Jaiswal

Still They Didn’t Picked him and went with just 1 Opener for 3 Match Series. Unreal Politics against Rutu.#BCCI #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/IFozXAK4re

— Ajeet Kumar (@ajeetkr03) September 28, 2024

Never seen this much of politics for any other player except Ruturaj Gaikwad 🥲💔#BCCI #myankyadav pic.twitter.com/oBBIjMZP8G

— KAUSHAL KUMAR (@Kaushal62641137) September 28, 2024

POLITICS For #Ruturaj 1st they snatchd his captaincy in Zim tour making gill captain and took his opening spot, gave 1down then again sent him in middle order after all this he performed then gave weak team in Duleep with uncapped players now selected for Irani for distraction pic.twitter.com/vX3DGM38ua

— X-Men (@xmen_199) September 28, 2024

Unreal Politics against Ruturaj Gaikwad. He is India’s batting future still treated so badly.

— Anirudh dubey (@adnightowl95) September 28, 2024

BCCI & Gautam Gambhir have some personal issues with Ruturaj Gaikwad. He is getting sidelined by BCCI and he is the 3rd best batter of India in ICC rankings. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/GVDhXybbdq

— Mayank (@MayankVK18) September 28, 2024

Ruturaj Gaikwad was India’s best batter when India played T20Is in Zimbabwe, he outperformed Shubman Gill by miles despite playing at different batting positions.

Gaikwad is that cricketer who helped CSK won 2 IPL in 4 seasons & still gets ill treatment from the BCCI.

Shame !! pic.twitter.com/aEEIKhieDM

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 28, 2024

No Ruturaj Gaikwad For T20Is vs BAN

– No Shubman Gill
– No Yashasvi Jaiswal

Still They Didn’t Picked him and went with just 1 Opener for 3 Match Series. Unreal Politics against Rutu 💔 Fkk… pic.twitter.com/72c0PF2lWy

— 🤍✍ (@imAnthoni_) September 28, 2024

Ruturaj Gaikwad till now:

-Top 3 run scorers by an Indian in last 4 IPL seasons
-Highest T20I run scorer for India since 2023
-Proved himself in every position at No 1-4
But BCCI is ignoring him again and again!! #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/JP6dtmOXyG

— abhay singh (@abhaysingh_13) September 28, 2024

As anticipation builds for the T20I series against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on how the selected squad performs and whether Gaikwad can make a strong case for his inclusion in future international fixtures.

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