India might not have managed to clinch the series victory in Raipur, but it does not demean Ruturaj Gaikwad's spectacular comeback to international cricket after a span of 700+ days. Gaikwad might have failed to capitalize in Ranchi but he had delivered just when it mattered the most.
After Shreyas Iyer, the Indian vice-captain, was ruled out of action for months following the laceration injury in Sydney during India's final ODI match in the Australia tour, India named Ruturaj Gaikwad as his replacement.
Although there was initially a question about whether Gaikwad would be handed a playing XI spot, given that the team had other big names like Rishabh Pant, the Indian coach showed faith in him, and he has delivered with every bit of his game.
Ruturaj said "I was told that I will bat at number 4 this series & encouraged to enjoy my game. I feel it is a privilege to have that kind of confidence from management to an opener who can bat at four. Coach told me to enjoy the game and play my natural game". [Press] pic.twitter.com/wKvWI3pKsE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 4, 2025
Does Shreyas Iyer still own the no. 4 chair?
However, despite all the praise and all the hype for Gaikwad, who has shown that he could be promising enough in the middle order as well, despite his natural role being that of an opener, the harsh reality is that he is up against Shreyas Iyer for the same spot in the ODI team.
This clearly demonstrates that when Shreyas Iyer walks back into that dressing room, he goes straight out into that no. 4 position. Ruturaj Gaikwad would then most likely be snubbed of a spot in the XI.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the most viable no. 3 for India in the post-Rohit-Kohli era
Moreover, with this hundred, he has shown that he can survive and then accelerate anytime during the game, which makes him one of the most viable candidates for India's middle order in the post-Rohit-Virat era, that is, after the two legends depart, leaving the void of two spots.
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