Ruturaj Gaikwad enjoyed a remarkable slice of luck during the third ODI between India and West Indies in New Chandigarh on Saturday, October 3. The Indian batter survived three separate catching opportunities within just 17 deliveries, giving him valuable time at the crease after India suffered two early blows. West Indies made an impressive start with the ball after India captain Shubman Gill opted to bat first. Jayden Seales dismissed Gill for one before removing Virat Kohli for a golden duck, leaving India in a difficult position early in the innings.
Gaikwad received his first reprieve in the 11th over when he attempted to glance an Alzarri Joseph delivery down the leg side. The ball flew towards wicketkeeper Shai Hope, who moved quickly to his left but could not complete a difficult one-handed chance.
The second opportunity came just eight deliveries later. Keemo Paul bowled short, prompting Gaikwad to pull towards mid-wicket. Amir Jangoo reacted quickly and dived to his right, getting his fingertips to the ball but failing to hold on. Gaikwad picked up three runs from the shot.
WATCH – Virat Kohli Dismissed For Golden Duck Against West Indies In 3rd ODI
His third escape proved even more costly for West Indies. Joseph bowled a back-of-a-length delivery that Gaikwad pulled firmly behind square. The ball travelled towards Vitel Lawes at deep fine leg, but the fielder failed to complete the reverse-cup catch. The ball went through his hands and raced over the boundary for six.
The three missed chances came within 17 deliveries and allowed Gaikwad to remain at the crease alongside Rohit Sharma as India attempted to recover from the early wickets.
That’s the 4th drop catch of Ruturaj gaikwad today 🤣 https://t.co/pmGWKRhvPE pic.twitter.com/d6IukbP9xa
— ~ Wade` (@WadeCric) October 3, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad Gets A Life Vitel Lawes Drop An Easy Catch On The Boundary & It Goes For Six As well 😅 pic.twitter.com/JUDmaik71o
— Cricket Dani (@CricketDani56) October 3, 2026
India made three changes for the series finale, bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy, Anshul Kamboj and Mohammed Siraj. Ravindra Jadeja, Auqib Nabi and the injured Prasidh Krishna made way. West Indies also made three changes, with Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie replacing Keacy Carty, Roston Chase and Shamar Joseph.
With Iyer expected to return to India’s ODI setup, Gaikwad’s position could face renewed competition. He has batted at No. 4 during Iyer’s absence after the latter travelled to Japan to captain India at the Asian Games.
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Before the third ODI, Gaikwad had accumulated 272 runs from 11 ODIs at an average of 34.00 and a strike rate of 87.74, including one century and one fifty. His highest ODI score is 105 against South Africa. His current opportunity provides another chance to strengthen his case for a role in India’s ODI plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Whether he remains in contention as a middle-order option or reserve batter will depend heavily on his performances in the coming matches.
