Ruturaj Gaikwad is an Indian cricketer who has made significant strides in domestic as well as international cricket as a top-order batsman. Born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra, Gaikwad is known for his elegant batting style, technical proficiency, and consistency. He bats right-handed and occasionally bowls right-arm off-spin. Gaikwad rose to prominence through his performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading to his selection in the Indian national team.
Biography
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s cricket journey began in the cricket-loving city of Pune, where his talent was nurtured from a young age. He made his mark in youth cricket and quickly progressed through the ranks to make his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season. His performances in domestic cricket, including the List A and T20 formats, showcased his potential as a top-order batsman.
Gaikwad’s breakout year came in 2019, when he finished as the highest run-scorer for India A in their tour of West Indies, scoring three centuries in four innings. This performance put him on the radar of the national selectors and IPL franchises. He was picked by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, where he initially played a few games before making a significant impact in the 2020 season, scoring multiple half-centuries and a century, which helped cement his place in the team.
Sporting Achievements
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s sporting achievements reflect his rapid rise in Indian cricket:
- Domestic Cricket: In domestic cricket, Gaikwad has been a consistent performer for Maharashtra across formats, showcasing his ability to play long innings and anchor the batting lineup.
- IPL Stardom: Gaikwad’s performances in the IPL have been particularly noteworthy. He won the Orange Cap in the 2021 IPL season as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, scoring 635 runs in 16 matches. His ability to score runs against quality bowling attacks in pressure situations has made him one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.
- International Recognition: Gaikwad made his debut for the Indian national team in July 2021 in a One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka. He scored his first international century in an ODI against South Africa in October 2022, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
- Records and Accolades: Gaikwad set a record in the 2021 season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by scoring the most runs in a single edition of the tournament. His performances have earned him accolades from cricketing legends and pundits, who see him as a long-term prospect for the Indian cricket team.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s journey from the cricketing grounds of Pune to representing India on the international stage and becoming an IPL star is a testament to his skill, determination, and hard work. With his prime years ahead of him, Gaikwad is poised to achieve greater heights in cricket and become a key player for India across formats.
Player Stats
Batting & Fielding
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| ODIs | 6 | 6 | 0 | 115 | 71 | 19.16 | 157 | 73.24 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| T20Is | 19 | 17 | 3 | 500 | 123* | 35.71 | 357 | 140.05 | 1 | 3 | 49 | 20 | 10 | 0 |
| FC | 29 | 49 | 2 | 2041 | 195 | 43.42 | 3646 | 55.97 | 6 | 10 | 247 | 27 | 19 | 0 |
| List A | 77 | 76 | 5 | 4130 | 220* | 58.16 | 4107 | 100.56 | 15 | 17 | 402 | 119 | 21 | 0 |
| T20s | 122 | 117 | 12 | 4035 | 123* | 38.42 | 2905 | 138.89 | 5 | 27 | 383 | 157 | 61 | 3 |
Bowling
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| ODIs | 6 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| T20Is | 19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| FC | 29 | 2 | 13 | 4 | 0 | – | – | – | 1.84 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 77 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| T20s | 122 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |