Ruturaj Gaikwad achieved an impressive 108 runs against Lucknow Super Giants during the Indian Premier League 2024. As the new captain of CSK, he displayed a high level of composure and executed shots across the wicket. He also represents a strong contender for a position in the Indian team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. His likelihood of securing a spot in the 15-player squad is not high.
Conversely, his CSK teammate Shivam Dube is the front-runner in securing a place in the team. His power-hitting in the middle overs has made him a favourite. Dube is the highest run-getter for Chennai in the 17th season, with three half-centuries coming from his bat. Although he has not been utilised as a bowler by the defending champions due to the Impact Player Rule, he has the requisite skills to perform when required.
Shivam has been in form over the past year, and the cricket experts have warned the Indian selectors of the consequences if the player is not selected for the World Cup team.
Former India player Navjot Singh Sidhu was asked to name one of Ruturaj and Dube, and the veteran chose the latter:“There are a lot of opening options available in the Indian team. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli can play as openers. There is no place in that slot. Ruturaj also bats at number 3, but even that place is full. So, Ruturaj has no chance of being a part of the squad until some injuries occur.”