Ruturaj Gaikwad's much-awaited international return lasted just 14 balls, courtesy of a one-handed stunner from Dewald Brevis in the first ODI between India and South Africa in Ranchi. While India dominated large phases of the innings through Virat Kohli's and Rohit Sharma's knocks, Gaikwad's dismissal gave South Africa a much-needed breakthrough.
India entered the opening ODI hoping for a solid start after losing all three tosses on the tour. Sent in to bat first, India rode on fluent contributions from the experienced pair of Rohit and Virat. But amid the flow of runs, Brevis' brilliance denied Gaikwad's comeback.
In the 27th over, Ottneil Baartman delivered a good-length ball just outside off. Gaikwad leaned into a drive on the rise, expecting it to race past the backward point. But Brevis, standing close inside the circle, reacted in no-time. He dived full stretch to his right and plucked a one-handed stunner inches from the turf as Gaikwad walked back for 8 off 14, ending the third-wicket stand with Kohli at 22 runs.