KL Rahul’s Big Praise for Ruturaj Gaikwad: “Rutu Is Obviously a Top-Class Player”
Ahead of India’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa, captain KL Rahul delivered a strong statement of faith in Ruturaj Gaikwad, calling him “obviously a top-class player” and praising the way he has utilised every limited opportunity at the international level.
The Context Behind Rahul’s Statement
India announced its ODI squad for the South Africa series with KL Rahul named captain and Ruturaj Gaikwad recalled to the one‑day setup after a phase where he floated in and out of the senior side.
With senior names like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer unavailable due to injuries, this series has opened the door for players like Gaikwad to take on bigger responsibility in India’s white‑ball plans.
“Rutu Is Obviously a Top-Class Player” – What Rahul Really Meant
When Rahul says that “Rutu is obviously a top-class player” and has made good use of his limited chances, it reflects what many in Indian cricket believe about Gaikwad’s technical class and temperament.
Gaikwad has consistently impressed in domestic cricket, the IPL and for India A, including a composed 117 in a chase for India A against South Africa A earlier in November 2025, underlining his ability to anchor an innings under pressure.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Recent Form and Credentials
- Scored a match‑winning century (117) for India A while chasing 286 against South Africa A in Rajkot, showing excellent pacing of the innings.
- Has been a prolific top‑order batter in the IPL, often praised for his timing, placement and calmness in run chases.
- Remains in the wider national conversation despite phases out of the senior XI, which indicates long‑term faith from selectors and team management.
Performances like these support Rahul’s comment that whenever Gaikwad has been given a role, he has shown what he can do and why he belongs at the international level.
How Rahul’s Backing Can Boost Rutu
Public backing from the captain can significantly impact a player’s confidence, especially for someone fighting for a permanent spot in a competitive Indian batting lineup.
Rahul himself has spoken in the past about how consistent support from leaders like Rohit Sharma helped him deal with scrutiny and role changes, so his praise for Gaikwad carries extra weight in the dressing room.
Possible Batting Role for Gaikwad
While Gaikwad is naturally an opener, there has been discussion about using him at No. 3 or No. 4 to fit India’s balance and give him more chances in the middle order.
Reports from practice sessions suggest that both head coach and captain have spent extra time with Gaikwad in the nets, exploring where his game can best serve the team in South African conditions.
Why India Needs a Settled Core Around Rahul and Rutu
With a packed calendar that includes ICC events and World Test Championship cycles, India is actively building a core of batters who can adapt across formats and conditions.
Rahul’s rise as a senior leader and Gaikwad’s emergence as a technically strong, flexible batter could form an important part of India’s white‑ball and even red‑ball plans over the next few years.
KL Rahul & Ruturaj Gaikwad: Key Points
| Player | Current Role | Recent Highlight | Future Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | India’s ODI captain vs South Africa, senior batter and occasional keeper. | Led India to ICC titles and key ODI series, often finishing chases under pressure. | Seen as a vital part of India’s leadership group and batting core for upcoming cycles. |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Top‑order batter returning to India’s ODI squad. | Match‑winning century (117) for India A vs South Africa A while chasing 286. | Viewed as a long‑term option in India’s top order, with potential to lock a spot if he converts chances. |
Conclusion: A Big Opportunity for Rutu
KL Rahul’s strong endorsement puts the spotlight firmly on Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the South Africa ODIs, turning this series into a crucial audition for a long‑term role in India’s batting order.
If Gaikwad turns Rahul’s faith into runs, India could be looking at a stable, high‑class top‑order option for the next World Cup cycle and beyond.
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