Ravichandran Ashwin sends strong message to Ruturaj Gaikwad after ODI snub, says ‘No matter how you…’

The recent announcement of the ODI team for the series in New Zealand generated considerable buzz in the cricket fraternity, and the fact that Ruturaj Gaikwad was left out of the team has been identified as the most surprising decision that has been taken by the BCCI. Gaikwad’s performance in the previous series with a century against South Africa would be remembered.

This opened the door for the return of Shreyas Iyer, who had missed out on the Proteas series due to injuries and is still awaiting a medical clearance for his fully fit return to cricket. Despite this confusion regarding team selection due to Iyer’s availability, Gaikwad was overlooked even for a reserve place in the team.

After the announcement of the squad, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin joined the ranks to support his former Chennai Super Kings teammate. The 35-year-old Indian bowler feared that the call might have been really tough for selectors, but it’s all worth the try, as he would go on to advise the left-handed batsman Gaikwad to stay persistent, remain patient and continue doing the good work even with the setback.

No matter how you feel.

Get up, dress up, pad up, show up and never give up.

It can be hard to miss but such is the competition for places in the Indian team. #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/A1taarpMdF

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 3, 2026

Ashwin strongly wrote on X and said “No matter how you feel. Get up, dress up, pad up, show up and never give up. It can be hard to miss but such is the competition for places in the Indian team.”