Ruturaj Gaikwad's Crucial Opportunity Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2027

Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming ODIs against the West Indies, which could significantly impact his career leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. With Shreyas Iyer absent, Gaikwad has a prime opportunity to showcase his skills as a middle-order batsman. His impressive List A record and recent performances in the 50-over format highlight his potential. This series could be a defining moment for Gaikwad as he aims to secure a spot in the World Cup squad. Will he rise to the occasion?

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 26, 2026, 20:42 IST

Ruturaj Gaikwad's Upcoming ODIs Against West Indies

The forthcoming One Day Internationals (ODIs) against the West Indies are set to play a significant role in shaping Ruturaj Gaikwad's international career as he eyes the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The first match is scheduled for Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram.

Ruturaj returns to the squad as a middle-order batsman, filling in for Shreyas Iyer, who is currently in Japan leading the T20I team for the Asian Games.

Gaikwad's Performance: ODI vs List A

Despite being the IPL 2021 Orange Cap winner with 635 runs, Ruturaj has had limited opportunities in ODIs. In his nine ODIs, he has accumulated 228 runs across eight innings, averaging 28.50 with a strike rate of 89.50. His best performance includes a century and a fifty, with a top score of 105 against South Africa last year when he stepped in for the injured Shreyas.

At 29, Ruturaj boasts an impressive List A record, amassing 5,334 runs in 104 matches at an average of 58.61, including 21 centuries and 20 fifties, with a highest score of 220* and a strike rate of 101.23.

Impressive Form in 50-Over Cricket

Although his recent performances in red-ball cricket for India A and the Duleep Trophy were not up to par, Ruturaj remains a formidable player in the 50-over format for India, India A, and Maharashtra.

Since the IPL 2025, he has been in exceptional form in 50-over matches. His performance breakdown includes: South Africa A tour of India (November 2025): 210 runs in three innings, averaging 105.00 with one century and one fifty, best score of 117; South Africa vs India ODIs (November to December 2025): 113 runs in two innings, averaging 56.50, best score of 105; Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 (December to January 2025): 413 runs in seven innings, averaging 82.60 with two centuries and a fifty, best score of 134*; India A tour to Sri Lanka (June 2026): 274 runs in five innings, averaging 54.80 with one century and one fifty, best score of 101.

Overall, these performances yield a total of 1,010 runs in 17 innings at an average of 72.14, including five centuries and three fifties. This comes at a time when Shreyas is occupied with T20I captaincy and struggling in ODIs, having scored only 219 runs in nine innings at an average of 27.37.

Significance of the Series for World Cup 2027

With Iyer unavailable, a strong showing in these three ODIs could position Ruturaj as a potential backup for the 2027 World Cup, especially as India's middle-order seeks reinforcement to support the top three batsmen: skipper Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

Will this series mark a turning point in Ruturaj's career with the national team? The opportunity is in his hands to seize.