Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Jaffer Backs Gaikwad, Says Patidar and Kishan Deserve Captaincy
India A will play Australia A in One-Day matches later this month.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been chosen as India A’s captain.
Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer thinks Rajat Patidar could also have been captain.
He also mentioned Ishan Kishan as another good choice.
Jaffer said Gaikwad is slightly older in experience with India A. Patidar has captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back titles.
Kishan recently led East Zone to the Duleep Trophy.
Jaffer said any of the three could lead the team and that the decision is not a major issue.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named India A’s captain for the One-Day games against Australia A later this month.
Wasim Jaffer said Rajat Patidar also deserves the India A captaincy.
Jaffer identified Ishan Kishan as another strong leadership candidate.
Jaffer said Gaikwad may have been selected because he is slightly senior and has played for India A longer.
Jaffer said Patidar and Kishan have better credentials but that players are unlikely to object to Gaikwad’s appointment.
- Who
- India A, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will face Australia A; Wasim Jaffer discussed Rajat Patidar and Ishan Kishan as alternative captaincy candidates.
- What
- Gaikwad was named captain for India A’s One-Day games, while Jaffer said Patidar and Kishan also deserve consideration.
- When
- The India A-Australia A One-Day games are scheduled for later this month.
- Why
- Jaffer said Gaikwad may have received the role because he is slightly senior and has played for India A for a longer period.
Alternative Candidates
Seniority-Based Selection
Who deserves the captaincy?
Alternative Candidates
Wasim Jaffer said Rajat Patidar and Ishan Kishan also deserve the opportunity, citing their leadership credentials.
Seniority-Based Selection
Gaikwad was selected, and Jaffer said the choice is understandable because he is slightly senior and has played for India A for longer.
Leadership credentials
Alternative Candidates
Patidar has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back titles, while Kishan recently won the Duleep Trophy with East Zone.
Seniority-Based Selection
Jaffer said any of the three candidates could lead India A and that the players are unlikely to object to Gaikwad’s appointment.
- India A captain
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Opposition
- Australia A
- Format
- One-Day cricket
- Schedule
- Later this month
- Alternative candidate
- Rajat Patidar
- Additional candidate
- Ishan Kishan
- Jaffer’s rationale
- Gaikwad is slightly senior and has longer India A experience