'He is an interesting player because...' - Former Indian player backs Ruturaj Gaikwad as future of Indian Cricket Team

Former India batter Aakash Chopra backed Ruturaj Gaikwad as one of the best players in the country, whom the board has ignored for a very long time. Speaking about the player and his batting position, the former player feels that he is a technically sound batter who just deserves some more opportunities than he has gotten until now. 

"Ruturaj Gaikwad is an interesting player because he is extremely technically compact. However, I have been unable to figure out which number batter he is because he doesn't open when he plays for Maharashtra in red-ball cricket, but was sent at the top of the order for India A and came down the order as soon as (KL) Rahul came. So I am unable to understand how he is being used," said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel. 

Gaikwad was the captain of the T20I team during the Asian Games 2022 and then was dropped from the team, which speaks volumes about the controversy going around him. Also, he was in the 7th position in the ICC T20I batters ranking at that time. Aakash mentioned that Gaikwad looks like a 'longer-format' player. 

"He is not getting that many opportunities as well. He was the T20 captain and scored runs as well, but was dropped after that. However, when you watch Ruturaj Gaikwad playing, you see glimpses of the longer format being in his veins," added Chopra. 

He is a good cricketer: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra also spoke about Devdutt Padikkal, who is a prolific batter but failed to utilise the opportunities given to him in the BGT series. However, Padikkal scored some 60-odd runs in his debut for India, showing how capable he is. 

"After that, I am thinking Devdutt Padikkal. I would say don't write his obituary so soon because it will be slightly sad. He is a good cricketer. He scored 60-odd runs on his Test debut. Of course, he got out in the Perth match, but when you see him play, you feel he is technically strong," added Chopra.