IND vs AUS 2023, 1st ODI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has spoken on how Ruturaj Gaikwad's 'class' warrants a middle-order role in the Indian T20I setup. Gaikwad, who last played for India in July 2024, is currently a part of the Maharashtra squad in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy.

Ashwin felt there has been a lack of communication between the team management and Gaikwad in terms his exclusion from the national setup.

The spin-bowling all-rounder commended the manner in which Gaikwad has been batting in the current Ranji Trophy campaign of late. 

"We do not need to talk about Ruturaj Gaikwad's class. He's got all the shots in the book. The only thing is there is no information as to why he is not in the scene after his last T20I series. When he played the last T20I, the coach was different, the captain was different. The issue is if there is no communication with such players, they will largely be left in the dark. I really hope he is being communicated to.

He is batting brilliantly in the red-ball format as well. I hope they consider him for a middle-order role," stated Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.

Gaikwad scored 133 runs in three innings against Zimbabwe at an impressive strike rate of 158.33 the last time he represented India. The Men in Blue are currently Down Under involved in a five-match T20I series against Australia.

There were four T20I bilateral series played ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup.

Gaikwad was not shortlisted for any of those. Speaking of his number, Gaikwad has 633 runs in the 23 T20Is at a strike rate of 143.53.

After India get back from their Australia tour, they will be involved in an all-format series against South Africa at home. The series will comprise two Tests and three ODIs before the final segment which will involve a total of five 20-over matches.