TRENDING: India fans trend 'Sack Dravid' as head coach drops promising young batter from T20I squad

In an unexpected turn of events, the omission of promising young batter Ruturaj Gaikwad from the playing XI for the two-match T20I series against South Africa has sparked a wave of discontent among Indian cricket enthusiasts. The displeasure culminated in a trending hashtag on social media, with fans vociferously expressing their frustration by calling for the removal of head coach Rahul Dravid.

Rahul Dravid faces backlash on social media

The decision to exclude Gaikwad, who has been turning heads with his consistent performances in the domestic circuit, left many fans perplexed. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor an innings, Gaikwad's absence raised eyebrows among the cricketing community, particularly given his recent exploits in the shortest format of the game.

The social media uproar saw the hashtag 'Sack Dravid' gain momentum, with fans utilizing various platforms to voice their dissatisfaction over the exclusion of the young batsman. While team selections often generate diverse opinions, the intensity of this backlash is notable, reflecting the high expectations and emotional investment of Indian cricket supporters.

Rahul Dravid, known for his composed demeanor both as a player and a coach, is facing another major challenge to his tenure as the head coach of the Indian team after the recent ODI World Cup loss. The controversy adds an extra layer of pressure on Dravid and the team management as they prepare for the ODI series against South Africa. 

Gaikwad, who has been in exceptional form recently, was expected to be a vital asset to the Indian lineup, and fans were eager to witness his contribution at the international level. Gaikwad is part of the ODI squad and it will be interesting to see if gets the chance to play.