'We try and give opportunities...': Gautam Gambhir hints Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal's inclusion in India's squad for ODI World Cup 2027

India head coach Gautam Gambhir lavished praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal for their performance in the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Opening batter Gaikwad, who batted at number four because of the team combination, smashed a century in the second clash, and Jaiswal touched the three-digit mark in the series decider. This was their maiden century in the format.

Gambhir lauds Gaikwad and Jaiswal

Notably, Gaikwad and Jaiswal made it to the playing XI because captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer are currently on the road to recovery. Gambhir lauded the duo for grabbing the opportunity with both hands, getting a hundred.

"Someone like Rutu, who's batted out of position... He's a quality player, we all know. We wanted to give him an opportunity in this series because of the kind of form he was in with India A. And he actually grabbed that opportunity with both hands, getting a hundred in the second game. And when we were under pressure, actually - we were 40 for 2 - and then getting that kind of a hundred was proper quality" Gambhir told media after third ODI.

Gambhir hints at Gaikwad, Jaiswal's inclusion in ODI World Cup

Both players are likely to slip out of contention, though, with Gill already fit to start India's T20I series against South Africa, and Shreyas Iyer recovering well from his spleen injury. However, Gambhir said that the management is trying to give opportunities to new players and they want a reasonable group of 20-25 players before the ODI World Cup 2027.

ALSO READ: I ever intended it to be...': Head coach Shukri Conrad issues clarification on controversial 'grovel' remark after India crushed SA by nine wickets

ALSO READ: Abey mota hojaunga...': Rohit Sharma's hilarious video of refusing cake from Jaiswal after ODI series win against South Africa goes viral

"Look, we try and give [new players] opportunities wherever we can. Because we still want a reasonable group… probably around 20-25 players in that group before the World Cup.

"But once your captain and vice-captain [Iyer in ODIs] is back, obviously they are your starters. But yes, what they [Jaiswal and Gaikwad] had to do [with their opportunities], they have done that. And hopefully, whenever it is possible, we will try and give them opportunities.

"And more importantly, I think they need to keep themselves motivated because they should be ready whenever they get that opportunity. "

Team India will now face South Africa in the five-match T20I series, which will start from 9 December.