Ruturaj Gaikwad's Comeback For India vs West Indies ODIs Fuelled

Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to be selected for IND vs WI ODIs (Source: AFP) The unusual scheduling of India's upcoming assignments (Asian Games 2026 and India vs West Indies ODIs) could open a window for Ruturaj Gaikwad to return to the ODI setup.India’s ODI series against the West Indies will begin on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, while the Indian T20I team will be involved in the Asian Games in Japan. The first Asian Games T20I, which is expected to be a quarter-final, is scheduled for September 28. The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, followed by the Asian Games semi-final on October 1. The third ODI on October 3 will coincide with the gold and bronze medal matches.With the two squads operating almost simultaneously, the selectors will get a chance to look at players not in the Asian Games squad. One of the players who could benefit from this situation is CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.Ruturaj Gaikwad could be Shreyas Iyer's replacement for IND vs WI ODIsThe timing of the ODI series against West Indies and the Asian Games will give the Indian management and the BCCI selectors a chance to assess ODI bench strength ahead of the 2027 World Cup.It is important to mention that Gaikwad is reportedly in contention for a place in India’s ODI squad for the West Indies series. His case is particularly interesting because Shreyas Iyer will be with the Indian team in the Asian Games campaign, potentially leaving room for selectors to test another middle-order option."For Iyer’s position, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a century in his last ODI innings (in December 2025 vs South Africa), could come in contention even though he has been named captain of the India A one-day squad to face Australia A." a Cricbuzz report stated.Also Read: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Future As CSK Captain Bleak, Will He Get IPL 2027 Rope?What are Ruturaj Gaikwad’s numbers at no.4 in ODIs?One of the most interesting aspects of Gaikwad's potential return is where India could use him. Gaikwad is naturally capable of opening the innings, but his ODI record at no. 4 also gives India another option. In the matches where he has batted at no. 4 for India, he has scored 113 runs in two innings at an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 116.49. Despite scoring a century in his last ODI, Ruturaj Gaikwad was dropped from the Indian setup. Why is IND vs WI ODI Series Important For Ruturaj Gaikwad?Compared to Shreyas Iyer, Gaikwad has considerably less experience in the role. But the situation becomes even more interesting because Iyer’s ODI numbers in 2026 have not been particularly convincing. In nine innings this year, Shreyas Iyer has scored 219 runs at an average of 27.38 and a strike rate of 84.56.If Gaikwad gets an opportunity in IND vs WI ODIs and scores heavily, it could create a selection dilemma for India, keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup.India are already looking beyond the immediate series and will need to settle their core ODI squad well before the World Cup.One thing that matters for Gaikwad now is to impress the selectors with his performance and give himself a genuine chance for a place in India’s ODI plans. A few strong performances could turn him from a player discussed as an option into one the selectors must seriously consider for the World Cup squad.Also Read: Sanjiv Goenka Regrets Missing Out On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In IPL Auction