Ashish Nehra Delivers Huge Verdict on Young Indian Cricketer as a Versatile Three-Format Player

Former Indian cricket team fast bowler Ashish Nehra has heaped praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad after his impressive century against Australia in the third T20I encounter in Guwahati. Gaikwad played brilliantly against the Australian bowlers, hitting 13 fours and seven sixes to reach his maiden T20I century. With a strike rate above 200, Nehra believes that Gaikwad’s game is well-suited for the T20 format, but he also sees him as a player who can contribute across all three formats.

Nehra stated, “Everybody knows what kind of a player he is (Ruturaj Gaikwad). When you talk about Yashasvi Jaiswal, his game is completely different compared to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s. You need solidity in the T20 format as well, and that’s what Gaikwad brings to the table. There’s no doubt that Ruturaj Gaikwad is a three-format player for India.” Nehra expressed his admiration for Gaikwad’s elegant playing style and described his century as “unbelievable” and “amazing.”

In the same match, Glenn Maxwell played a match-winning knock for Australia, scoring an unbeaten 104 and leading his team to a five-wicket victory while chasing a target of 223. Maxwell’s century, achieved in just 47 balls, was his fourth in T20Is, tying him with Rohit Sharma for the most centuries in the format. Maxwell’s innings overshadowed Gaikwad’s impressive 123 runs, which contributed to India’s total of 222-3.

Maxwell’s hundred was also notable for being the joint-fastest by an Australian batsman in T20Is, alongside Aaron Finch and Josh Inglis. Despite the win, Australia still trails the five-match series 2-1, with the fourth T20 scheduled for Friday in Raipur.

In his 100th T20 international and last match of the series, Maxwell hit eight fours and eight sixes and shared an unbeaten 91-run partnership with captain Matthew Wade, who contributed 28 runs.

These developments highlight the emerging talent of Gaikwad and the explosive batting prowess of Maxwell. Both players have showcased their abilities in the T20 format, with Gaikwad impressing Nehra with his solidity and elegance, while Maxwell’s century ensured Australia stayed in contention in the series.