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Ruturaj Gaikwad, a rising star in Indian domestic cricket, has once again been left out of the national Test squad, this time for the first match against Bangladesh. This decision has sparked widespread disappointment among fans who believe Gaikwad's impressive form deserves a spot in the team. The exclusion, particularly striking given his recent Duleep Trophy victory with India C, has left many wondering if he will ever be given a chance at the highest level.
The first Test, scheduled for September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, will see the return of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. However, the omission of Gaikwad, who boasts a solid domestic record with an average of 42.69, has become a point of contention. The Indian team already has three established openers - Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, leaving little room for Gaikwad in the current setup.
Despite the disappointment, Gaikwad's supporters remain optimistic about his future. His recent performance in the Zimbabwe vs. India T20I series suggests he has the potential to excel at the international level. Many believe that his exclusion from the Test squad is a temporary setback and that he will eventually get his chance. With the limited-overs series against Bangladesh looming, there is hope that Gaikwad might be included in the squad for those matches. However, his absence from the Test squad, coupled with the established opening trio, highlights the competitive nature of Indian cricket and the challenges facing young players trying to make their mark on the national team.