India hasn't played an ODI since July and neither has Shikhar Dhawan but still, the star opener is fighting for his place in the national side. The catch is, he's losing the spot one innings at a time as young guns Ruturaj Gaikwad and Venkatesh Iyer have come out of ranks to knock doors.
Gaikwad is having a magical year or so, ever since he has become a regular opener for his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings. His sublime form not only helped CSK benefit but his career too has gone upwards. He made his T20I debut in July against Sri Lanka, where Dhawan was leading the side.
Gaikwad continued his brilliant touch in the IPL's second leg and only missed his chance in the T20 World Cup squad and T20I series against New Zealand. However, he went back to domestic only to prove his level has gone above it.
