Ruturaj Gaikwad Makes History by Shattering Records, Outperforming Virat Kohli and Babar Azam
Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased an exceptional performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Thursday, scoring a remarkable 134 runs off 131 balls. This innings not only highlighted his skill but also allowed him to rewrite several records in List A cricket. Gaikwad’s achievement further solidifies his reputation as one of India’s most reliable domestic players, as he continues to impress with his consistency and ability to convert starts into significant scores.
Record-Breaking Performance
Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s innings against Goa was a masterclass in batting, characterized by patience and authority. With his 134 runs, he matched Ankit Bawne for the most centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy history, both now holding 15 hundreds. However, Gaikwad’s achievement stands out as he reached this milestone in just 57 innings, while Bawne took 94. This ability to convert starts into substantial scores has been a hallmark of Gaikwad’s career, and Thursday’s performance was yet another testament to his talent.
In addition to tying the record for the most centuries, Gaikwad also made history by becoming the fastest player in professional List A cricket to score 20 centuries, accomplishing this feat in only 95 innings. The previous record was held by Mayank Agarwal and Khurram Manzoor, who both reached the milestone in 129 innings. Gaikwad’s achievement places him ahead of modern greats like Babar Azam and Virat Kohli, who took 131 and 143 innings, respectively, to reach the same number of centuries.
Impressive Batting Average
Gaikwad’s consistency is further reflected in his batting average, which currently stands at an impressive 58.83 in List A cricket among players with at least 50 innings. This average places him ahead of notable players such as Michael Bevan, Sam Hain, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara. His ability to maintain such a high average speaks volumes about his skill and reliability as a batsman.
During the match against Goa, Gaikwad’s innings included eight fours and six sixes, anchoring the Maharashtra innings as they posted a total of 249 for 7. The match was tightly contested, with Maharashtra ultimately securing a narrow three-run victory. In addition to his century, Gaikwad also became the fastest player to reach 5,000 List A runs, adding another significant milestone to his already impressive day.
Future Prospects and Leadership Role
Despite his outstanding performances and growing list of achievements, Ruturaj Gaikwad was surprisingly left out of India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in January. This decision raised eyebrows, especially following his maiden ODI century against South Africa in December 2025. At 29 years old, Gaikwad is at a pivotal point in his career, with his domestic statistics making a strong case for more opportunities at the international level.
In addition to his batting prowess, Gaikwad’s leadership skills are also gaining recognition. He is set to lead the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 season, a role that reflects the trust and confidence the franchise has in him. As he continues to excel in domestic cricket, many will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds and whether he will receive further chances to represent India on the international stage.
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