The BCCI finally recognises Ruturaj Gaikwad’s efforts as the player receives a call-up for the upcoming India A game against South Africa.
There has been a lot of buzz about Gaikwad being one of the most overlooked players for the test squad in recent times. Ever since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, there has been a void in the side.
Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the India A Squad
To fill this void, management gave several players a chance. But Ruturaj Gaikwad was not one of them. It was not like the player had not performed in the domestic circuit. He has scored runs galore, yet his performance couldn’t quite match the expectations of the board.
Things have changed for the good, though, and the player’s recent performance in the Ranji Trophy clash, in which he scored 91 and 55* against Kerala, has earned him an India A call-up.
Ayush Mhatre receives surprise India A call-up
Along with Gaikwad, four other Super Kings players have been named in the India A squad. And while three of these names have previously represented India, one name has stood out — Ayush Mhatre.
The 17-year-old made an instant impact in his debut Ranji Trophy season last year. And soon backed it up with a power packed performance in the Indian Premier League as well, where he played for Chennai Super Kings.
Mhatre, playing for Mumbai in domestic games, scored 408 runs from just 5 matches at an average of 45, including 2 centuries and a high score of 176 against Maharashtra.
Similarly, in IPL, he made an instant impact with 240 runs in just 7 games for CSK, at an average of 34.29 and a strike rate of 188. His highest score of 94 came against RCB in a season-defining game that CSK eventually lost.
Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed also in squad
Apart from these batters, two bowlers in the form of Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed have also been named in the squad for the game. Kamboj had a great outing in the previous season of Ranji Trophy, where he picked up 36 wickets in just 6 games. Similarly, Khaleel Ahmed also impressed everyone with 14 wickets from just 4 games.
The squad will be led by Rishabh Pant, who is also returning to the field after a long hiatus following his injury in England. Apart from him, there will be the likes of experienced players in the form of KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Mohammed Siraj, who will also feature in the side.
The first game between India A and South Africa A will begin on October 30, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru.x
