Gaikwad made his international debut on last year’s tour of Sri Lanka following an impressive set of outings in the first leg of IPL 2021. The Orange Cap winner then proceeded to receive call-ups for the tour of South Africa and the home series against West Indies.
He availed his chance in the final T20I against West Indies in Kolkata, where he opened the innings alongside Ishan Kishan.
In this regard, Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo:
With KL Rahul absent from the squad, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan lie as the only possible options for Rohit Sharma’s partner at the top.
While a couple players are being rested from this series, a couple of players have made their return, among them which includes Ravindra Jadeja. Jaffer feels that the all-rounder will certainly be in the playing XI as the first spinner.
He hopes to see the left-arm spinner partnered with Ravi Bishnoi for this series. Jaffer added:
Jadeja was last seen in the home series against New Zealand after the T20 World Cup. Following the series, he suffered an injury which forced him to miss the tour of South Africa and the home series against West Indies.
“Sri Lanka’s bowlers will pose a threat, especially their spinners” - Wasim Jaffer
Sri Lanka are heading into this series on the back of a 4-1 defeat in the T20Is against Australia away from home. Jaffer noted that the bowling unit will be more efficient in conditions more suited to them.
He reserved praise for Dushmantha Chameera, who will be leading the visitors’ bowling attack. Jaffer said:
Jaffer concluded:
India will take on Sri Lanka in the first T20I tomorrow (February 24) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
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