Uthappa Slams Gaikwad Snub, Cites 'Mumbai, Delhi, Punjab' Bias in Indian Cricket

• Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped from India's squad for New Zealand series despite a recent century against South Africa, sparking controversy.
• Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa criticized the decision, highlighting the "survival mode" culture in Indian cricket.
• Uthappa suggested a bias, stating players not from "Mumbai, Delhi, or Punjab" face tougher challenges to secure a spot.
• Shreyas Iyer's return from injury coincides with Gaikwad's omission, raising questions about selection priorities.
• Gaikwad has scored 228 runs in nine ODIs, including a fifty and a century, but struggled for consistent opportunities.

Why It Matters: Uthappa questions Gaikwad's exclusion, alleging regional bias and intense pressure in Indian cricket selection.