Can be the future captain of India – Kiran More lauds Ruturaj Gaikwad

Former Indian wicket-keeper Kiran More has tipped Ruturaj Gaikwad to become India’s future captain. Gaikwad has been leading Maharashtra at the domestic circuit and has done a fine job as a leader.

The right-hander scored an unbeaten knock of 19 runs in the first T20I against Ireland at the Village, Dublin on Friday as India registered a two-run win (DLS method).

Meanwhile, Gaikwad has impressed while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. The 26-year-old has scored 1797 in 52 IPL matches at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 135.52.

Furthermore, Gaikwad will lead India in the upcoming Asian Games in September and he will look to get the best out of the young players.

“I’m waiting for his (Gaikwad) Test debut. Both (Gaikwad and Jaiswal) are outstanding players. Ruturaj can play all formats, his basics are so correct. He can be the future captain of India as well, he has got a great temperament. He’s playing under MS Dhoni, so he must have learnt things about handling the team and handling the situations. He’s a quality player, and I’m waiting for him to make his Test debut,” said More while speaking on Jio Cinema.

Gaikwad also played an instrumental role in taking CSK to glory in IPL 2021 and 2023, scoring 635 and 590 runs, respectively for the MS Dhoni-led team.

More reckons there are a lot of young players who are waiting in the wings and thus it is crucial for Gaikwad to grab his chances at the national level.

“Yashasvi scored a hundred on Test debut, then smashed a half-century during the T20I series against West Indies as well. Things are not easy for him, because there are several cricketers waiting for Ruturaj Gaikwad to fail so they can get a look-in. This is when your character has to come out, can you take that pressure? That is why this is a phase where he has to rely on his ability and try to put a big score,” said Karim.

The second T20I between India and Ireland will be played at the Village, Dublin on Sunday.