IND vs SA: India Sensation Ruturaj Gaikwad Delivers A Statement Performance With Stylish Maiden ODI Century

India vs South Africa: India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad gave a befitting reply to his critics with his maiden ODI century during the second 50-over match of the series against South Africa, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, on Wednesday, December 3.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad Hammers Maiden ODI Hundred In Style

Earlier in the first ODI match of the series, Ruturaj Gaikwad played an eight-run knock from 14 balls at a strike rate of 57.14. Following his poor performance, many cricket fans questioned Gaikwad's place in the squad. However, the 28-year-old made a brilliant comeback in Raipur.

In the fourth delivery of the 34th over, Gaikwad pulled the ball on the mid-on for a four and claimed his maiden ODI hundred. It took him just 77 balls to touch the 100-run mark. Soon after scoring his maiden century, Virat Kohli, who was standing on the other end of the crease, came to congratulate the 28-year-old. Later, Gaikwad opened his helmet and raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd.

Soon after, in the fourth delivery of the 36th over, Ruturaj Gaikwad's knock came to an end after Marco Jansen ended the Indian batter's knock for 105 runs from 83 balls. Gaikwad hammered 12 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 126.51 during his time on the crease.

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Gaikwad's Numbers In ODIs

Ruturaj Gaikwad made his ODI debut in 2022 against South Africa at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. In the ODIs, the right-handed batter played eight matches and eight innings, scoring 228 runs at an average of 17.57 and a strike rate of 89.76. As of now, Gaikwad has smashed four half-centuries and one hundred in the 50-over format.

Currently, the Men in Blue are leading 1-0 over South Africa in the three-match ODI series. In the first match at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, India clinched a 17-run win over the Proteas on Sunday, November 30.