‘He’ll Do The Country Very Proud’: Morkel Praises 28-Year-Old Batter Ahead Of South Africa ODIs
Last Updated:November 29, 2025, 07:34 IST
Gaikwad is part of India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. He has played six ODIs for the Men in Blue in the past.
Morne Morkel praises Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Picture Credit: AFP, PTI)
Ruturaj Gaikwad is back in the Indian team after more than a year. The 28-year-old right-handed batter from Maharashtra, who captains Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, was picked for the three-match ODI series against South Africa as a backup opener in the absence of Shubman Gill. Gaikwad, who has played six ODIs so far for the Men in Blue, is unlikely to start ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal, at least in the first ODI, which will be played on Sunday (November 30) in Ranchi. But due to his good show in recent matches, the Indian team management could consider including him in the XI. In the three unofficial ODIs for India A earlier this month, he scored one century and one half-century against South Africa A, and in the Ranji Trophy as well, the right-handed batter impressed with his batting performances.
During India’s press conference in Ranchi on Friday, bowling coach Morne Morkel was asked about the possibility of Gaikwad playing in the series opener, and in reply he said that the team management will discuss the combination. He, however, added that it’s great to have Gaikwad in the team.
“I am pretty sure they will discuss the combinations, but it’s great to have him here. He has been a quality player for a number of years, and if he gets his opportunity, I am pretty sure he will do the country very proud,” Morkel said.
Gaikwad, who has 115 runs to his credit in ODI matches for India, last played for India on July 13, 2024, during a T20I match against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.
His last competitive match was for Maharashtra against Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday (November 26) in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In that match he was leading Maharashtra but was unable to make any significant contribution with the bat, and his team went on to lose the fixture by five wickets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Location :
Ranchi, India, India
First Published:
November 29, 2025, 07:34 IST
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