3 Reasons Why Ruturaj Gaikwad Deserves a Test Call-Up

2. Ability to handle pace and spin

During the Jharkhand innings, Gaikwad showed a compact defensive approach against pace bowling, with sound judgement on deliveries outside the off stump. Against spin, he used his footwork to come down the pitch when the opportunity arose and also worked the ball off his pads to keep the scoreboard moving.

The combination of these two contrasting methods against India's most common Test bowling threats is a key part of the argument for his inclusion. Selectors assessing red-ball candidates typically look for batters who can negotiate both disciplines across long spells, and Gaikwad's display against Jharkhand offered evidence of exactly that. With the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy coming up in just a few months, the Indian team management will be tempted to use the services of Ruturaj against Aussies.