Ruturaj Gaikwad a phenomenal player: KL Rahul opens up on giving opportunity to star batter in South Africa ODIs

India's stand-in skipper KL Rahul heaped praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the start of the three-match ODI series against South Africa. India will take on the Proteas in the series opener at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. Ahead of the first ODI, Rahul addressed the pre-match press conference, where he opened up on giving opportunities to Gaikwad in the series.

Gaikwad earned his spot in the national team after nearly two years on the back of his impressive run in the domestic circuit. The Maharashtra batter last played an ODI for India against South Africa in 2023. He has been recalled into the team on the back of an impressive run in the domestic circuit.

Gaikwad enjoyed a stellar run for Maharashtra, before shining for India A in the recently concluded unofficial ODI series against South Africa A. He scored 117, 68 and 25 in the three matches against South Africa A to finish the series as the highest run-getter in the unofficial ODI series with 210 runs in three matches.

Gaikwad is in contention for the opening slot and the no.4 spot in the ODI series against South Africa in the absence of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. He is likely to bat at no.4 in the middle order if given a chance. Heaping praise on the star batter, skipper Rahul called Gaikwad a phenomenal player and said the team management is looking forward to giving opportunities to him.

"Rutu is obviously a top-class player. We’ve all seen that whatever limited opportunities he has received, he has utilised them well and shown what he can do. Unfortunately, in ODIs, the top five or six is quite settled and performing well, so you feel bad for players who don’t get enough chances. But at the same time, you’re happy that the playing group is doing well," said Rahul.

"It’s unfortunate for those missing out, but with a few injuries, he now has an opportunity. He will get his chance at some stage. We’re looking forward to giving him that opportunity and letting him show what he can do. There’s never been a question about his skill — it’s only about the right opportunity and timing. Hopefully, this series gives him that chance," he added.

Skipper Rahul also emphasised that wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant can play as a pure batter in the playing XI. With Rahul leading the side, there are strong chances that he will keep the wickets for India. However, Rahul made it clear that he is willing not to take the keeping gloves if Pant is included in the XI for the first ODI. The Indian skipper refused to give details of India's combination for the series opener.

"Rishabh obviously missed out due to injury, and again, he is someone who has been with the team for a long time. Everyone has seen what he brings and what he can do for the team. Like I answered them earlier, the players who are already in the team and have been performing - sometimes you just have to wait for your opportunity," said Rahul.

"You’ll get to know tomorrow who will play - whether it’s me or him behind the stumps - but obviously, he is good enough to play as a batter as well. But if he is in the eleven, then obviously he will take the gloves, and I will be in the field," he added.