Former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) selection committee for overlooking in-form batter Ruturaj Gaikwad for the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka.

The BCCI announced a new-look squad for the series, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over the captaincy for the three-match T20I series, starting July 27. Rohit Sharma will lead the ODI squad, which follows the T20Is. Young opener Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain for both formats.

Kris Srikkanth questions the selection criteria

Srikkanth, known for his outspoken views, expressed his disappointment on his YouTube channel, particularly regarding Gaikwad’s omission. “Ruturaj Gaikwad is an automatic choice for T20Is,” the ex-India opener stated.

“He should be scoring more runs, and the selectors should be looking at him. After all, not everyone has a good zodiac sign like Shubman Gill,” Srikanth added.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad’s stellar form in T20Is

This statement highlights Srikkanth’s belief that Gaikwad’s recent performances haven’t received due consideration. Gaikwad displayed exceptional form in his last seven T20I innings, averaging an impressive 71.20 runs at a blistering strike rate of 158.70. Despite this, he finds himself on the outside looking in.

Gaikwad wasn’t the only one dropped from India’s quad. Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, who emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the recent Zimbabwe series with eight scalps in just three matches, also missed out on a spot. Similarly, Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a century in the second T20I against Zimbabwe, couldn’t retain his place in the squad.

Schedule for India tour of Sri Lanka 2024

The three T20Is will be played at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele on July 27, 28 and 30, respectively. Both teams will then move to Colombo for the three ODIs, scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7 at the R, Premadasa Stadium.

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