'Hope some normalcy comes into team picking' - Former selector urges India to give long rope to Ruturaj Gaikwad

Former chief selector Kris Srikkanth has advocated for Ruturaj Gaikwad, urging the Indian team management to give him a long rope. His remarks came after Ruturaj slammed his maiden ODI ton during the second match of the ongoing series against South Africa.

Srikkanth urged some consistency to be maintained in team selection for future assignments. He credited Ruturaj's ability to play the long innings and also suggested the management to try him in Tests and T20Is as well.

"I hope some kind of normalcy comes into the team picking, I won't even call selection. Because Ruturaj Gaikwad definitely deserves a long run. Give him a good opportunity, he's a brilliant player be it T20, ODI or even longer format. He is a guy who can play the long innings and has smashed it in the Ranji Trophy. Ruturaj showed the whole world today - if you are a youngster, you just follow Virat Kohli's philosophy. Play to your strengths," stated Srikkanth in a video on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth claimed that with this ton, Ruturaj might have secured his place in the 50-over setup. He was impressed with the manner in which the 28-year-old batter tackled left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj in Raipur. 

"It's good for Ruturaj Gaikwad that he has made a comeback into the Indian team and got his maiden ODI century. He is trying to cement his place. I would say he has almost cemented his place. It's a big thing to score a hundred against such a bowling attack. He (Ruturaj) is also a great hooker and puller, which is also important. And the way he smashed Keshav Maharaj was technical delicacy. He has shown he can score just through delicate touches," he added.

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Gaikwad emerged as India's top-scorer with an impressive 83-ball 105, which comprised 12 fours and two sixes. He added 195 for the third wicket with Virat Kohli, who himself scored a century. Gaikwad had only played six ODIs ahead of this series.

Speaking of the series, it is level at 1-1 after the Proteas scripted a memorable chase to win the second match. The series-deciding clash will be played at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on December 6. The hosts won the first match by a 17-run margin.