In Raipur, Ruturaj Gaikwad transformed a rare ODI opportunity into one of the most defining innings of his career, scoring his maiden one-day international hundred against South Africa. With a sublime mix of timing, composure and controlled acceleration, Gaikwad reached his century in just 77 deliveries, anchoring India’s innings after being promoted due to injuries in the squad.
His masterclass at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium not only strengthened India’s batting foundation but also reaffirmed why he is considered one of the most elegant modern batters emerging from Indian cricket.
Key Takeaways: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Raipur Hundred and His Remarkable Cricketing Journey
- Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI hundred in Raipur, bringing up the milestone in 77 balls with remarkable fluency.
- He accelerated beautifully, reaching his first fifty in 52 balls and the next fifty in only 25 deliveries.
- Gaikwad dominated Keshav Maharaj, taking 16 runs in a single over, and maintained control throughout the middle overs.
- His innings included a massive 195-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who was also nearing a hundred.
- Gaikwad got this rare ODI chance due to injuries to Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
- Beyond this innings, he holds historic records such as 7 sixes in an over, the highest List-A centuries for Maharashtra, and consistent IPL brilliance.
- His journey showcases a complete arc—from a Pune prodigy to CSK captain and one of India’s most refined batting talents.
A Prodigy Shaped in Pune: Early Life and Family Support
Born on 31 January 1997 into a middle-class Marathi family in Pune, Ruturaj Dashrat Gaikwad grew up in an environment that valued education but also embraced his passion for cricket. His father, Dashrath Gaikwad, worked with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while his mother, Savita Gaikwad, was a devoted teacher.
Despite not being from a sporting background, his parents encouraged him from the very beginning, never questioning his dream even during low phases. His mother often highlighted that academics were important, but Ruturaj’s cricketing aspirations mattered just as much. Their trust propelled him forward.
Gaikwad trained at the Varroc Dilip Vengsarkar Academy in Pune, where his technique was refined under quality mentors. The academy helped him diversify his stroke play, sharpen his judgement, and prepare for multi-format cricket. It was during these years that coaches labelled him a natural talent destined for higher honours.
Career Beginnings: A Young Batter’s Rise Through Domestic Cricket
By the age of 19, Ruturaj Gaikwad had become a standout performer in Maharashtra cricket. His breakthrough came during the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament. His blend of classic shot-making and risk-free batting made him a reliable force in a format where consistency is highly valued.
He made his first-class debut on 6 October 2016 and quickly cemented his place in the Maharashtra squad across formats. His innings of 306 runs in the Maharashtra invitational tournament earlier in his career had already hinted at his appetite for big scores.
In List-A cricket, Gaikwad grew into a dominant force. By 2021–22, he scored over 600 runs with four centuries, equalling Virat Kohli’s record for the most centuries in a single Vijay Hazare Trophy edition. In November 2022, he etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first batter ever to hit seven sixes in an over, including one off a no-ball, during a match against Uttar Pradesh.
He followed this with another century in the final of the same tournament, becoming the player with the most centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy history.
His consistency also earned him leadership responsibilities. Gaikwad captained Maharashtra, India C, and later became vice-captain of the Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Even after an elbow injury in 2025, he returned strongly, scoring an unbeaten 184 in the Duleep Trophy and amassing 200 runs across two innings.
International Career: Gradual Growth to Becoming a Key Contender
Ruturaj Gaikwad made his international debut in July 2021, in a T20I against Sri Lanka. His ODI debut followed in October 2022 against South Africa. Though his early international opportunities were limited, he displayed glimpses of maturity and reliability.
In the 2023 Ireland tour, he emerged as the leading run-scorer, and in November 2023, Gaikwad carved history by becoming the first Indian batter to score a T20I century against Australia. His 127-run innings included elegant stroke play and absolute control, placing him among India’s most promising T20 batsmen.
Gaikwad also led India to gold at the 2022 Asian Games, becoming the first men’s cricket captain to achieve the feat. His reputation as a calm leader grew as he continued delivering for India A and in domestic tournaments.
Raipur Hundred: A Breakthrough Moment in ODI Cricket
The second ODI against South Africa in Raipur was more than just another match for Gaikwad—it was an opportunity born out of India’s injury crisis. With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer ruled out, Gaikwad found himself promoted to a prime batting position.
Walking in during the 10th over, he announced his presence with a boundary off Marco Jansen. What followed was an innings defined by rhythm, clarity, and precision. He paced his knock to perfection:
- First 50: 52 balls
- Second 50: 25 balls
- Total: 105 off 83 deliveries
He dismantled South Africa’s spin attack, taking 16 runs off one Keshav Maharaj over, and maintained strike rotation with Kohli. The duo stitched a commanding 195-run partnership, stabilising India’s innings and setting a strong foundation.
This century was Gaikwad’s 18th List-A hundred, adding another chapter to his prolific one-day career.
IPL Career: From Emerging Player to CSK Captain
Gaikwad’s IPL story began when Chennai Super Kings bought him in the 2018 auction. His breakthrough came in 2020, and by 2021, he became the Orange Cap winner with 635 runs, playing a decisive role in CSK’s title victory.
His temperament and leadership qualities led CSK to appoint him captain in March 2024, succeeding the legendary MS Dhoni. In the 2024 season, he scored 583 runs, finishing second on the run charts.
However, his 2025 season was cut short due to a left elbow fracture sustained during the match against Rajasthan Royals, forcing him out of the tournament and prompting Dhoni’s return as captain.
Records That Define Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Career
- First batter to hit 7 sixes in an over in all cricket formats
- Most centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy history
- Orange Cap winner in IPL 2021 (635 runs)
- First Indian to score a T20I century against Australia
- Asian Games 2022 gold-medal winning captain
- 12 centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy and counting
- Highest List-A score: 220 not out
Net Worth, Endorsements and Lifestyle
By 2024, Gaikwad’s net worth stood around Rs 36 crore, built through:
- IPL salary of Rs 6 crore
- Domestic cricket earnings of Rs 50–60 lakh per month
- Endorsements with Games24x7, GoKratos, SS Cricket Kits, Mount Road Social, Electro Plus
- Real estate investments including an Rs 8 crore luxury home in Pune
- Stock market investments
His vehicle collection includes an Audi, BMW M8 Coupe, and Jawa 42 Bobber. Despite his fame, Gaikwad maintains a grounded personality and keeps most aspects of his personal life private.
Why Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Journey Matters for Indian Cricket’s Future
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s career is a story shaped by resilience, refinement, and relentless commitment. From his early days in Pune to his domestic dominance, IPL leadership, and international progression, Gaikwad represents the next breed of Indian batting—calm, technically gifted, and capable of anchoring innings under pressure.
His maiden ODI hundred in Raipur signals not just a breakthrough but the beginning of a mature, impactful phase in his international journey. With his elegance, discipline, and unmatched consistency, Gaikwad is poised to play a defining role in Indian cricket’s future, inspiring a new generation of batters who value both technique and temperament.
FAQs on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Maiden ODI Hundred and Career Journey
1. When did Ruturaj Gaikwad score his maiden ODI century?
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century on December 3 in Raipur, reaching the milestone in 77 balls during the second ODI against South Africa.
2. What made Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Raipur innings special?
Gaikwad accelerated brilliantly, scoring fifty in 52 balls and the next fifty in 25, adding a 195-run stand with Virat Kohli and dominating Keshav Maharaj.
3. What are Ruturaj Gaikwad’s major cricket records?
His key records include seven sixes in an over, most Vijay Hazare centuries, a T20I hundred against Australia, and a highest List-A score of 220 not out.
4. What is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s background and early cricket training?
Born in Pune, Gaikwad trained at the Varroc Dilip Vengsarkar Academy, receiving strong family support that shaped his disciplined, technically refined batting career.
5. What is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s net worth and key income sources?
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s estimated net worth is around Rs 36 crore, earned through IPL salary, BCCI contracts, endorsements, investments, and brand partnerships.
