Ruturaj Gaikwad confident of India comeback: 'Just about making runs again'
Synopsis
Ruturaj Gaikwad isn't chasing headlines — he's chasing runs. Speaking in Coimbatore, the CSK skipper made clear that his route back into the Indian team runs through the domestic circuit, with the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, and SMAT all on his radar. Quiet, patient, and self-assured: this is a player playing the long game.
Key Takeaways
Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed confidence in his India comeback at an event in Coimbatore on 1 September .
He said his focus is on 'staying consistent and waiting for my opportunity.' Gaikwad admitted he had not closely followed the anticipated Rashid Khan vs Sooryavanshi matchup ahead of India's series against Afghanistan .
The CSK captain is gearing up for a packed domestic calendar: Duleep Trophy , Irani Cup , Ranji Trophy , and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) .
His national recall depends on translating stated confidence into consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed firm belief in his ability to force his way back into the Indian cricket setup, stating that consistent run-scoring and patience are his primary tools as he awaits another national call-up. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper made the remarks on the sidelines of an event in Coimbatore on Tuesday, 1 September.
Gaikwad's Confidence and Approach
'Very much confident. It is just about going back again, making runs again,' Gaikwad told reporters. The CSK opener acknowledged his sustained output with the bat over the years and said the focus now is on staying consistent rather than worrying about selection timelines.
'Obviously, I have been making runs throughout these years now. So, it is just about staying consistent and waiting for my opportunity,' he added.
On the Rashid Khan vs Sooryavanshi Battle
With India preparing to face Afghanistan, Gaikwad was asked about the anticipated duel between Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan and young Indian batter Sooryavanshi. The CSK captain admitted he had not followed the matchup closely, noting that his mindset shifts when he is out of the playing eleven.
'I haven't thought about it much. When I don't play, I usually don't watch much,' he said. He was, however, quick to affirm his patriotic support: 'Obviously, you want to support your country.'
Domestic Season in Focus
Gaikwad indicated that his attention is firmly on the approaching domestic calendar, which leaves him limited bandwidth to track every India fixture. 'But, you know, some days I am busy practising as well. I have domestic tournaments coming as well…so yeah,' he said.
Following the conclusion of the Duleep Trophy, players are set to gear up for the Irani Cup, then the Ranji Trophy, and subsequently the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) — a packed schedule that Gaikwad is evidently treating as his primary platform for a national recall.
What's Next for Gaikwad
Gaikwad's path back into the Indian side runs squarely through domestic performances. Selectors have historically rewarded consistent run-getters in the red-ball and white-ball domestic circuit, and the upcoming season offers him multiple windows across formats. How strongly he translates his stated confidence into scoreboard numbers will determine whether a national recall follows sooner rather than later.
Point of View
Especially when squad spots are genuinely competitive. The more interesting subtext here is what his absence from the India XI says about the depth in Indian batting — that a proven, consistent performer like Gaikwad can be on the outside looking in reflects a selection environment where the competition is fierce and margins are thin. Whether patience alone is enough, or whether he needs a headline-grabbing domestic campaign, will define his 2025-26 season.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ruturaj Gaikwad not in the Indian cricket team currently?
Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently out of the Indian squad amid intense competition for batting slots. He is working his way back through domestic cricket, focusing on consistent run-scoring to earn a recall from selectors.
What did Ruturaj Gaikwad say about his India comeback?
Gaikwad said he is 'very much confident' of returning to the Indian team and that it is 'just about going back again, making runs again.' He stressed patience and consistency as his approach while awaiting his next opportunity.
Which domestic tournaments will Ruturaj Gaikwad play in the upcoming season?
Gaikwad is expected to feature in the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) — a full domestic calendar that he views as his primary platform for a national recall.
What did Gaikwad say about the Rashid Khan vs Sooryavanshi matchup?
Gaikwad said he had not thought about it much, noting that when he is not in the playing XI he tends not to follow matches closely. He did, however, affirm his support for the national team.
Who is Ruturaj Gaikwad?
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League and an Indian international cricketer. He is an opening batter known for his consistent run-scoring across formats at the domestic and international level.
