IND vs AUS: CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad identified as back-up opener, eyes on his performance at Irani Cup

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Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been identified as a potential third opener for India in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, according to a report by Times of India.

Although Gaikwad has faced disappointment recently by being overlooked for the Test and T20I series against Bangladesh, it appears that the Indian cricket team's chief selector Ajit Agarkar wants the Chennai Super Kings captain in the Test squad soon.

Gaikwad, who has yet to make his Test debut despite receiving call-ups for tours to the West Indies and South Africa last year, was a standby player for the World Test Championship final but had to withdraw due to personal reasons. His strong performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he led the India C team, raised expectations of his inclusion in the Bangladesh series. However, the selectors' decision to omit him from both the Test and T20I squads left fans and experts puzzled.

The reasoning behind Gaikwad's exclusion has now been revealed. According to TOI, Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir want Gaikwad to focus on red-ball cricket as a backup opener for the Australia series. A source close to the selectors explained, "The selectors and team management want him as the third opener in Australia. You need a third opener there as injuries could take place during a long five-Test series. There aren't too many good candidates for the third openers' slot than Gaikwad."

To prepare for this potential role, Gaikwad has been assigned captaincy of the Rest of India team in the Irani Cup, which began in Lucknow on Tuesday. The selectors want Gaikwad to gain more experience in the red-ball format and keep him focused on Test cricket rather than the T20 format. His performance in the Irani Cup could solidify his place as India's third opener for the challenging Australian tour.

Additionally, there is speculation that Gaikwad might get an opportunity in the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand later this month. India may consider resting Yashasvi Jaiswal for one of the matches, giving Gaikwad a chance to prove himself against a formidable bowling lineup.