India face a major selection dilemma ahead of the second Test against South Africa starting November 22 in Guwahati. With captain Shubman Gill’s fitness still uncertain, former India opener Aakash Chopra has proposed an unexpected but compelling replacement — Ruturaj Gaikwad, a player not even included in the current squad.
Why Aakash Chopra Prefers Ruturaj Gaikwad Over Current Squad Options
Chopra, speaking to the Indian Express, highlighted that there remains “no clarity” on Gill’s availability even after being discharged from the hospital. If Gill fails to recover in time, India would be forced to pick from the already selected squad — an option Chopra believes may not be ideal.
His biggest concern is India’s left-handed heavy batting lineup. The current XI includes:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Rishabh Pant
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
This already makes six left-handers. If either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal — both left-handed top-order batters — replaces Gill, the number jumps to seven left-handers in the XI. Chopra warned that such a lineup could dangerously empower South Africa’s off-spinners like Simon Harmer and Aiden Markram, especially on a turning pitch.
He suggested that Gaikwad, a right-hander, would restore balance and strengthen India’s batting strategy.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Form Makes Him a Strong Candidate
Chopra backed his argument by pointing to Gaikwad’s outstanding form this season. The opener has smashed:
- 3 centuries
- 3 half-centuries
across his last six matches, including four first-class and two List A games. He also emphasized Gaikwad’s technical solidity, his ability to bat in the middle order, and his proven performance at the Guwahati venue — where he once scored a T20I century against Australia.
Calling Gaikwad a “like-for-like replacement” for Gill, Chopra even suggested “paradropping” him into the team if needed, despite not being part of the original squad.
India trail 0-1 in the two-match series, making the second Test a must-win encounter. Anything less than victory — even a draw — would hand South Africa their first Test series win in India in 25 years and mark India’s second home series defeat in three attempts.
As the clock ticks down to the Guwahati Test, all eyes remain on Gill’s fitness—and whether selectors will consider Chopra’s bold call for Gaikwad.
