While Team India continues to struggle across formats, one Indian batter is making headlines with consistent performances – but surprisingly, still remains out of the senior team. Ruturaj Gaikwad, currently playing for India A, is in the form of his life and has created a new milestone in List-A cricket, yet his comeback to the national side remains pending.
India have faced back-to-back losses in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, but Gaikwad’s performances show that top-quality players are waiting outside the main squad. His India A performances once again highlight the depth in Indian domestic cricket.
Gaikwad Breaks Cheteshwar Pujara List-A Batting Record
Gaikwad produced a match-winning knock against South Africa A, scoring an unbeaten 68, which pushed his List-A batting average from 56.93 to 57.80 — now surpassing Cheteshwar Pujara as the highest List-A average among Indian batters with significant innings.
Even in 144p, his class shines in 4K 🌟
— Maharashtra Cricket Association (@MahaCricket) November 17, 2025
Vice Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchors India A with a brilliant 68* (83) against South Africa A! #mca #mcacricket #TeamMaharashtra #TeamMaha #cricketmaharshtra #RuturajGaikwad #indianteam #teamindia pic.twitter.com/x0ikTY0LLI
This improvement came because Gaikwad remained not out, directly boosting his career statistics. Before this match, he had struck a brilliant 117 in the previous fixture against the same opposition. The two innings underline his consistency in the 50-over format and his maturity as a top-order batter.
Back-to-Back Knocks Showcase His Form
Gaikwad’s recent run of scores:
- 117 vs South Africa A
- 68 vs South Africa A*
- Multiple List-A centuries in the past season
- A growing reputation as one of India’s most reliable domestic performers
The right-hander has been in outstanding touch, proving once again why he is considered one of the most technically sound young batters in India.
But despite this form, his comeback to international cricket remains uncertain.
Gaikwad’s International Career: A Story of Interrupted Momentum
Ruturaj Gaikwad has played:
- 6 ODIs
- 23 T20Is
However:
- He has never been given a Test debut
- His ODI average remains low at 19.16, largely due to irregular chances
- He has been in and out of the T20I setup despite strong IPL seasons
Despite his brilliance in India A matches and domestic cricket, a spot in the senior team has remained out of reach, mainly due to intense competition at the top order.
Gaikwad’s form is sending a clear message: he is ready for another opportunity. With the Indian batting lineup struggling for consistency in all formats, many fans and experts believe that the BCCI selection committee must reconsider his case. If he continues to score heavily for India A, a senior-team recall may not be too far away — but for now, the wait continues.
