The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday unveiled revamped squads for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, with the exclusion of star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad emerging as a major talking point.

The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and India gets underway on July 27, followed by an ODI series scheduled to begin on August 1.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s impressive form goes unrewarded

Gaikwad’s omission has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, particularly fans and experts. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain amassed an impressive 133 runs in just three innings during India’s recent T20I series against Zimbabwe. Despite his strong showing, Gaikwad finds himself on the outside looking in, sparking a wave of debate and disappointment on social media.

Fresh faces and returning stars

Suryakumar Yadav, the prolific batsman known for his aggressive strokeplay, has been named the new captain for the Sri Lanka T20Is. Shubman Gill, who proved his leadership mettle on the Zimbabwe tour, takes over as vice-captain. The upcoming T20I series also sees the return of experienced pacers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, along with explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who were rested during the Zimbabwe tour.

Also READ: BCCI announces India’s squads for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka; Suryakumar Yadav to lead in T20Is

Era of Gautam Gambhir begins

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir steps in as the new head coach of Team India, marking his maiden stint in this role. Gambhir succeeds Rahul Dravid, who led India to a historic T20 World Cup victory last month.

Here’s how fans reacted to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s omission:

Let’s lift Ruturaj Gaikwad above the politics in cricket. Let’s back real talent!

Shame on you BCCI 🤡 pic.twitter.com/GjdHCeYHEQ

— Nicky (@iemnic) July 18, 2024

BCCI Politics Ruined Rutu’s Career

8th Rank in T20I Ranking But Not selected in T20 Team.

Avg of 60 in List A But No place in the ODI Team.

What Else he needs to do to play for the country.

Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves Better country 💔😓 pic.twitter.com/y1MxEgXyZh

— 🤍✍ (@imAnthoni_) July 18, 2024

Never Puts Any Story.
Never Complains Of Anything.
No PR, Just Pure Talent✌️💛

Still Unlucky and Gets Robbed by BCCI.

~Being Ruturaj Gaikwad is tough, Ngl. pic.twitter.com/e4tScfj7HZ

— Hustler (@HustlerCSK) July 18, 2024

Whenever Ruturaj Gaikwad Has Got A Chance, He Has Always Performed Well But Still The Mader…. Selectors And Coach Gautam Gambhir Did Not Select Him In The T20I Squad.

1 Like = 10 Slap
1 RT = 100 Slaps pic.twitter.com/Xco346qXNT

— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) July 18, 2024

Gill PR & BCCI politics won and our young talented player ruturaj gaikwad loses again 💔pic.twitter.com/7Evy7BTS8H

— 𝑃𝑖𝑘𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑢☆•° (@11eleven_4us) July 18, 2024

He is Not Selfish
He is Not Statpadder
He Does Not Have any PR
He is Not Aggressive
Ruturaj Gaikwad For You 💙 ✨#RuturajGaikwad #INDvsSL #BCCI pic.twitter.com/MNFQ1kouEK

— JassPreet (@JassPreet96) July 18, 2024

Last 10 Innings Batting Stats (T20I Batted) :

– Ishan Kishan: 168 Runs | Avg: 16.8 (Not in consideration)
– Shubman Gill: 287 Runs | Avg: 28.7 (Vice Captain)
– Ruturaj Gaikwad: 421 Runs | Avg: 42.1 (Dropped)
– Rishabh Pant: 188 Runs | Avg: 18.8 (All format player) pic.twitter.com/nhqHiIW1M0

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) July 19, 2024

Ruturaj Gaikwad needs that backing!!🤔#RuturajGaikwad | #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/9yR6Dnm1MC

— FairWin247 (@FairWin_247) July 18, 2024

Superstars are made on the ground, not in the conference room. Keep faith, we’ll win against this favouritism. Our day will come. Justice for Ruturaj Gaikwad.@GautamGambhir Sunni dae pic.twitter.com/cur6akOhn1

— Pradeep (@I_Pradeep_7) July 18, 2024

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