Chennai Super Kings star Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered a commanding performance for India, registering his maiden ODI century against South Africa in Raipur. Batting at the challenging number four position, Gaikwad scored 105 off 83 balls, forming a crucial 195-run partnership with Virat Kohli.
Following the knock, former India spinner R Ashwin strongly endorsed Gaikwad for a permanent spot in the 50-over setup, praising his technique against seam and spin, and his ability to run hard between the wickets. Ashwin emphasized that Gaikwad possesses the pedigree to succeed in the middle order, noting that he has effectively compensated for the absence of the injured
Gaikwad’s century, despite India’s eventual loss in the high-scoring encounter, validates the team management's faith in his versatility and reinforces his status as one of the most promising young batters in Indian cricket.
This analysis was generated by Third Umpire using official IPL statistics and live match data.
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“For a player of such pedigree, he deserves a long run. He has made up for Shreyas Iyer’s absence in double gear,”
Best average at Opening position in IPL 2025 (min 3 innings)
| Rank | Player | Team | average |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Gujarat Titans | 54.59 | |
#2 | Delhi Capitals | 49.64 | |
#3 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 46.81 | |
| #4 | Chennai Super Kings | 44.02 | |
| #5 | Gujarat Titans | 41.71 |
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Remaining unbeaten, Gaikwad finished on a superb 134 off 131 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries and six sixes to lift his team to 249 for seven in their allotted 50 overs.
The right-hand batter was in sublime touch as he thrashed the Punjab bowlers mercilessly en route to his historic inning. He scored 62 runs in just 20 balls, which included seven sublime fours and five towering sixes.
Mumbai clinched a thrilling seven-run win against Himachal Pradesh in a rain-shortened Vijay Hazare Trophy game. Stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer scored a brilliant 82, and Shivam Dube took four wickets to seal the victory.
“For a player of such pedigree, he deserves a long run. He has made up for Shreyas Iyer’s absence in double gear,”
