A couple of weeks back, when the Indian squad for the South Africa ODIs was announced, chances of Ruturaj Gaikwad getting a game appeared slim. His selection seemed to be as a back-up opener, with Yashasvi Jaiswal being the first choice to partner Rohit Sharma at the top. But those who watched him bat in the Ranchi nets alongside Virat Kohli had a hunch that the team management had different plans for the Maharashtra boy.

Come the match day, he was listed at number 4 on the team sheet. Eyebrows were raised, while a few on social media took potshots at the head coach, calling it another freak experiment with the team’s batting order as Gaikwad endured a 14-ball 8.

But the team management didn’t alter their plans and coming to Raipur, Indian cricket probably witnessed the emergence of a ne

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