Ruturaj Gaikwad breaks silence on continued snub from selectors, says 'When I don't play...'

India's out-of-favour batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is confident of making a comeback to the team amid snub from Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. Gaikwad had scored a century in his comeback series against South Africa last year as an injured Shreyas Iyer's replacement. He wasn't retained in the squad as reportedly, the team management does not want batters to bat out of their positions. But, the opener is focused on making runs again.

“Very much confident. It is just about going back again, making runs again,” the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper said at an event in Coimbatore on September 1. 

“Obviously, I have been making runs throughout these years now. So, it is just about staying consistent and waiting for my opportunity,” he added.

ALSO READ: Sanju Samson returns as BCCI announces India's squad for Afghanistan T20Is, 4 players subject to fitness

There is plenty of competition for spots but Gaikwad does not want to focus on it. He reveals he isn't able to follow every India game as he is busy practicing.

ALSO READ: Kevin Pietersen trolls Babar Azam after Pakistan drop 7 players from Test squad, says 'Maybe toss should start the night before?'

“I haven't thought about it much. When I don't play, I usually don't watch much,” he said.

“But, some days I am busy practising as well. I have domestic tournaments coming as well.”

Gaikwad’s recent form

Gaikwad had recently played in Duleep Trophy 2026 quarterfinal match between West Zone and North Zone. He registered a single-digit score, followed by a breezy half-century in the second innings. 

Earlier, he was on India A's tour of Sri Lanka A. He could score just 36 runs in three innings in two unofficial Tests. He also featured in the One-Day tri series featuring Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. He had replaced an injured Riyan Parag in Tilak Varma-led India A. He scored a century on comeback against Sri Lanka A and a fifty against Afghanistan. He followed it up with scores of 37, 30 and 40. He averaged 54.8 in the series.

Can Gaikwad make a comeback?

India’s several players will be playing in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan during the ODI series against West Indies. Gaikwad may get a chance in the ODI series which will be played from September 27 to October 3.

After the ODI series, he will be seen playing in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 which begins on October 11.

Gaikwad’s ODI and List A numbers

The 29-year-old has played nine ODIs so far, scoring 228 runs from eight innings at an average of 28.50 and a strike rate nearly 90. In List A cricket, he has 5,334 runs from 100 innings at an average of 58.61, featuring 21 tons and 20 fifties.