Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has raised questions about Ruturaj Gaikwad's absence from the national T20I team. Gaikwad last represented India in July 2024 against Zimbabwe, where he scored 133 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 158.33. Since then, he has not been selected for any of the four bilateral T20I series played before the 2025 Asia Cup. Ashwin believes Gaikwad's batting class deserves recognition and highlighted the lack of communication regarding his exclusion. The Maharashtra batsman is currently participating in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, where he has been performing well in red-ball cricket. Ashwin suggested that Gaikwad should be considered for a middle-order role in the T20I setup. India is presently touring Australia for a five-match T20I series and will host South Africa for an all-format series after returning home.
Ashwin Questions Lack of Communication with Gaikwad
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed concern about the absence of proper communication with Ruturaj Gaikwad regarding his exclusion from the Indian team. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin noted that when Gaikwad played his last T20I, both the coach and captain were different. He emphasized that without clear communication, talented players like Gaikwad remain uncertain about their future. Ashwin praised Gaikwad's complete range of shots and his recent performances in the Ranji Trophy. In his 23 T20I appearances, Gaikwad has accumulated 633 runs at a strike rate of 143.53. Ashwin hopes the selectors will consider him for a middle-order position in upcoming series against South Africa.
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