Ruturaj Gaikwad turns 26: A Look at the Promising Opener’s Splendid Performances 

Happy Birthday Ruturaj Gaikwad: He might be just 10 matches old in international cricket but he is certainly a known figure in the domestic circuit. Gaikwad made his debut in List A Cricket back in the 2016-17 season and it did not take too long for the Maharashtra born opener to hog the limelight. He had smashed 444 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in his debut season and finished the competition as the third highest run scorer. 

Gaikwad’s consistency with bat paid off as he was roped in by Chennai franchise in the 2019 Ind T20 League season, but didn’t get a chance to represent the yellow army on field. He finally made his Ind T20 League debut in the following season. In 2021, Gaikwad made a mark in the lucrative tournament and managed to win the distinguished Orange Cup. 

 With 635 runs in 16 innings at a staggering average of 39.68, Gaikwad ended the competition as the leading run scorer. His contributions powered Chennai to their fourth Ind T20 League title.  

101* vs Rajasthan, 2021

The flamboyant batter scored his maiden Ind T20 League ton in 2021. He remained unbeaten on 101 off just 65 balls against Rajasthan during a league stage fixture. 

His sensational knock was studded with 9 boundaries and five maximums. Gaikwad was adjourned Player of the Match but his range hitting went in vain as Rajasthan clinched that contest by seven wickets. 

220* vs Uttar Pradesh, 2022

Ruturaj Gaikwad notched an unbeaten 220 against a potent bowling lineup of Uttar Pradesh during a Vijay Hazare Trophy Quarter Final Match. His 159 ball knock included 10 fours and 16 sixes, 7 of which came in the 49th over. 

195 vs Tamil Nadu, 2023 

He registered his highest score in first class cricket during a Ranji Trophy match against a formidable Tamil Nadu side in January, 2023. He scored 195 in the first innings to guide Maharashtra to a huge total of 446. 

168 vs Chandigarh, 2021

The 2021 Vijay Hazare trophy proved to be the breakout season for the talented batter. He put on a fine display of calm, composed and gritty batting to potentially turn the entire game upside down against Chandigarh. His phenomenal knock helped Maharashtra successfully chase down a gigantic total of 310. 

99 vs Hyderabad, 2022 

Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t make the greatest of starts to the Indian T20 League 2022, but slowly found his mojo during the back end of the competition. He made 99 off 57 balls against Hyderabad to help his side secure a 13 run win.