IPL 2025: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s bold move: Can a top-order shift revive his India career?

Dubai: For decades, cricket’s biggest white-ball stars have built their legacies at the top of the order. But Ruturaj Gaikwad is rewriting the script. While legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Rohit Sharma cemented their dominance as openers, Gaikwad is taking a different path — one that could determine his future with India.

Since joining CSK in 2020, the 28-year-old has been a run-machine, barring his debut season. With two centuries and 19 half-centuries, he has been a pillar for the ‘Yellove’. Yet, despite his leadership role, Gaikwad’s place in the upcoming BCCI central contract list remains uncertain, according to PTI, as he does not meet the retention criteria. His lack of recent India appearances could cost him a spot in the system, even as he prepares to lead CSK against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their high-profile IPL clash on March 28.

India’s white-ball set-up is packed with openers. Rohit Sharma, who has ruled out retirement from ODIs, is set to continue until the 2026 World Cup alongside Shubman Gill. The T20 side features Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson at the top, while Yashasvi Jaiswal — despite opening in Tests — has struggled to break into the limited-overs squad.

Amid this intense competition, Gaikwad seems to be eyeing the No 3 spot, left unsettled after Virat Kohli’s T20 retirement.

In the recent five-match T20I series against England, India experimented with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma at No. 3, but neither cemented the role. That opens the door for Gaikwad, who has built a reputation for consistency — amassing 2,433 IPL runs at a healthy average of 41.95. His classy half-century against Mumbai Indians in CSK’s season opener on Sunday was a timely reminder of his credentials.

“Me batting at No. 3 is the requirement for the team. It gives our new team balance, and Rahul Tripathi can be aggressive at the top, while I can play both sides of the game,” Gaikwad told the official broadcasters during the post-match presentation.

The Maharashtra batter has already proved his worth in T20s, with an unbeaten 123 against Australia in Guwahati last year. He also led India to gold at the Asian Games, yet he remains on the fringes of the national set-up. Many, including Ricky Ponting, rate him as one of the most technically sound batters in the current crop, but opportunities have been scarce.

This IPL season may be his best chance to force his way back into India’s plans.