Ruturaj Gaikwad Knocks On Test Selection Doors With Stellar Duleep Trophy Hundred

Gaikwad scores century [Source: PTI]

Ruturaj Gaikwad stamped his authority in the ongoing Duleep Trophy with a fine century against Central Zone. Playing for West Zone, the talented batter looked assured and played a scintillating knock to steer his side out of a precarious situation. He reached the milestone in 131 balls and knocked on the selector’s doors.

Century under tremendous pressure by Gaikwad

At one stage, the West Zone team was tottering at 10/2, and this is when Gaikwad showed his class, and on a tricky pitch, the right-handed batter smacked a fine century. He staged an 82-run partnership for the third wicket with Aarya Desai, and it was followed by another crucial 45-run stand alongside Shreyas Iyer.

Interestingly, while others struggled for runs, he stood like a lone warrior, and after Gaikwad, the next best score from the team was scored by Desai (39). This knock has certainly helped him knock on the selector's doors, especially with the home series around the corner.

Gaikwad, a strong Test contender for WI, SA series?

Gaikwad has been in fine form in red-ball cricket. In the Buchi Bau Tournament, he produced a stunning century knock during Maharashtra’s game against Himachal Pradesh. That knock also came under testing conditions, and Gaikwad once again played a blinder on Thursday, and the question arises, should Gautam Gambhir, and Ajit Agarkar look at him as a potential Test prospect?.

Could India use Gaikwad at 3?

At the moment, almost all the spots are filled in the Indian Test team, barring one - the number 3 spot. In the last series against England, India tried out both Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, and both of them failed to seize the opportunity. Hence, if coach Gautam Gambhir is aiming for a rock-solid batter, Gaikwad could be a good choice at that spot.

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