3 reasons why Ruturaj Gaikwad batting at No. 3 in ZIM vs IND T20Is is the right move
Celebrations in the aftermath of India's 2024 T20 World Cup win are yet to conclude, but it's already time for the Men in Blue to embark on their next international assignment. They will lock horns with Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series, with the opening game all set to take place on Saturday, July 6.
Yashasvi Jaiwal, Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson, who were initially part of the squad, have been withdrawn from the first two T20Is. Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma have been added to the traveling contingent in their place, making the squad even more inexperienced.
One of the few names who has been around for a while is Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 27-year-old is one of the oldest members of the squad and will likely have a key role to play in the series. His ideal batting position is a question that must be asked, with India having several options in all departments.
Shubman Gill has claimed that Gaikwad will bat at No. 3 in the pre-match press conference, and that was a welcome sign.
India’s squad for 1st & 2nd T20Is against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana.
On that note, here are three reasons why Ruturaj Gaikwad batting at No. 3 for India in the T20I series against Zimbabwe is the right move.
#3 It's a role he played at times during IPL 2024
Ruturaj Gaikwad has opened the batting in the majority of his T20 career, but he had to bat at No. 3 at times during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
With Ajinkya Rahane struggling to play spin and Rachin Ravindra being at his best in the powerplay, Gaikwad rightfully dropped himself down to No. 3. Although key batters' poor form meant that he had to return to the top of the order, the Chennai skipper got some exposure to the role and will be better placed to reprise it for the national team.
In contrast, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma are more clearly suited to opening the batting following IPL 2024, although the latter has what it takes to get accustomed to a middle-order role. And when Yashasvi Jaiswal joins the squad for the last three T20Is, the chances of Gaikwad getting to open will become even lower.
#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad's long-term future in T20s could be at No. 3
Gaikwad dropping down to No. 3 during IPL 2024 was welcomed by a section of fans. The right-handed batter hasn't been the fastest starter over the years and isn't known for maximizing the powerplay.
If he wants a few balls to get set, he could bat at No. 3, a role for which he has the necessary skills. Gaikwad is assured against both pace and spin, and is a well-rounded player who should be able to succeed at any stage of the innings.
In the long run, India will need a solid No. 3 in T20Is who can capitalize on an explosive platform set by the openers. He could be that batter.
#1 India have other, arguably better options to open the batting
Gill may not have had a great IPL 2024 campaign, but his ideal place is arguably at the top of the order. With a few tweaks to his approach, he can become deadly in the powerplay.
Abhishek, meanwhile, made a name for himself as one of the best hitters in the IPL. While he has batted elsewhere before, the southpaw seems to have found his calling as a powerplay destroyer who can attack both pace and spin.
Jaiswal, as one of the country's most exciting talents, will take up his spot at the top once he enters the fray for the last three T20Is.
So India have other players who can don the opening role, but Gaikwad is the clear frontrunner for the No. 3 spot. Considering the composition of the squad and the rest of the batting lineup, the move makes sense.