What a comeback story this is! Ruturaj Gaikwad finally got his first ODI century against South Africa in Raipur. The young batsman struggled with just 8 runs in the first match at Ranchi. But he made everyone forget that horrible start with this brilliant knock today.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Journey to His First ODI Hundred
Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed 105 runs off just 83 balls on a tricky Raipur pitch. The surface wasn’t easy at all and really tested every batsman’s timing and patience. He reached his fifty in 52 balls showing solid technique under pressure initially.
Then something clicked and Gaikwad switched gears beautifully to reach his century in only 77 balls. A stunning back-foot punch for four brought up his maiden ODI hundred. Virat Kohli standing at the other end clapped and congratulated him immediately with genuine happiness.
Here’s the crazy part – his last ODI fifty came way back in September 2023. That was against Australia when he scored 71 runs in a winning cause back then. A gap of 803 days separated these two half-centuries which feels like forever.
Record Partnership with Virat Kohli
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli absolutely destroyed South Africa’s bowling attack together in Raipur. Their partnership added a massive 195 runs that put India in complete control today. Both batsmen dominated every bowler thrown at them with confidence and smart cricket throughout.
Kohli reached his own century and then went past that milestone smoothly too. The way these two communicated and rotated strike was pure class to watch. South Africa tried three lineup changes by bringing back Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi.
None of those changes could stop this incredible partnership from flourishing on the field.
India’s Strong Position in the Match
South Africa won the toss and put India in to bat first. Big mistake probably because India’s already sitting pretty at 284/3 after 39 overs. The runs kept flowing like crazy with fours coming at regular intervals throughout.
India didn’t mess with their winning formula from the first ODI, where they squeaked past by 17 runs. Smart move keeping the same eleven that worked before. Gaikwad’s spectacular century basically puts India’s foot on South Africa’s throat now heading into the death overs.
