Ruturaj Gaikwad walked out to bat with India at 62 for 2 and walked back two hours later as the new hero of Indian limited-overs cricket.
The elegant right-hander from Maharashtra smashed a magnificent 105 off just 83 balls, his first One-Day International century, to power India into a position of complete control in the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
Coming in at No. 4, Gaikwad played with the calmness of a veteran and the flair of a natural stroke-maker. He took 52 balls to reach his fifty, then floored the accelerator, needing only 25 more deliveries to raise his hundred, an explosion of timing and power that left the South African bowlers searching for answers.
The highlight of the day was a 195-run stand between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli (who himself hit a classy century). The pair batted South Africa long and in the process, created a new record for India’s highest partnership against the Proteas in ODI cricket.
After a modest showing in the series opener, Gaikwad answered every question about his place in the side. 12 crisp boundaries and 2 towering sixes told the story of an innings built on silky drives, clever placement, and ruthless finishing.
When he clipped Keshav Maharaj to mid-wicket to reach three figures, the Raipur crowd starts cheering for Gaikwad’s magnificent century which comes off in just 77 balls.
This was more than just a century. It was a statement. Ruturaj Gaikwad is still young and long way to go but he reminded everyone why he is seen as one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket.
