3 reasons why India must recall Ruturaj Gaikwad for IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Maharashtra batter Ruturaj Gaikwad stood out with a superb century for India A in the first unofficial ODI of the three-match series against South Africa A. The game was played on Thursday, November 13, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

After opting to bat first, South Africa A posted 285/9 in their 50 overs, with Delano Potgieter top-scoring with 90 off 105 balls. In reply, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad laid the perfect platform for the chase, crafting a brilliant 117 off 129 deliveries, including 12 fours. India A eventually secured a four-wicket win with three balls to spare.

With Gaikwad showcasing his class through a stunning hundred, here are three reasons why India should consider recalling him for the ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi.

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#1 Ruturaj Gaikwad’s purple patch was evident well before the India A knock

As Ruturaj Gaikwad struck a brilliant hundred for India A, it’s worth noting that he was already in superb form heading into the series. Before joining the India A setup, he played three 2025-26 Ranji Trophy matches for Maharashtra, where he impressed with 298 runs in four innings at an average of 149.00, including two fifties and a century, with a top score of 116 against Chandigarh.

Since returning to competitive cricket after featuring in the first five IPL games of the 2025 season before being ruled out due to a fracture in the radial neck of his elbow, the 28-year-old has consistently found runs. Given his outstanding recent form, India should consider recalling him for the ODI series against South Africa.

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#2 Proven performer in limited-overs cricket

While Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently enjoying an impressive run of form, his overall record further strengthens his case for an ODI recall. The right-hander has played 87 List A matches, amassing 4,441 runs at an excellent average of 56.93 and a strike rate of 101.34, registering 17 fifties and 17 hundreds.

He also brings experience at the international level, having featured in six ODIs for India, scoring 115 runs with one fifty. In addition, Gaikwad has played 23 T20Is, where he has accumulated 633 runs at an average of 39.56 and a strike rate of 143.53, including four fifties and one century.

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#3 He can fill in for Shreyas Iyer in the middle-order role as well

India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to take part in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa later this month after suffering an injury during the final match of the Australia series in Sydney on October 25. He sustained a blunt-force blow to the abdomen while fielding, which resulted in a spleen laceration and internal bleeding.

With the Mumbai batter in doubt, India may look towards Ruturaj Gaikwad as a potential replacement, especially given his ability to slot into the middle order if required.

Gaikwad’s solid technique, composed temperament, and knack for rotating strike make him a strong fit for the middle overs. He has shown he can anchor an innings, shift gears when needed, and handle spin comfortably. These qualities make him an ideal option for India to consider should Iyer be ruled out, offering both depth and flexibility to the batting lineup.