The Indian Premier League (IPL) has emerged as a breeding ground for exceptional cricketing talent, contributing many notable names to the Indian cricket team, of which Ruturaj Gaikwad stands out as an example. His full name is Ruturaj Dashrath Gaikwad who represents Maharashtra in domestic cricket. He started his international career with a match against Sri Lanka in 2021. He attracted everyone’s attention by hitting 7 sixes in an over in Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2022. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this outstanding player, encompassing both his personal life and his flourishing career from its inception.
Who is Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad was born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra. His father, Dasharath Gaikwad, a retired senior official at DRDO. His mother, Savita Gaikwad is a school teacher. They hail from Saswad and Mime, Pune. He completed his early education at St. Joseph School and later graduated from Laxmibai Nandgude School in Pune. He pursued college studies at Marathwada Mitra Mandal Polytechnic.
Ruturaj, a prominent cricket player from Pimpri-Chinchwad city, made his mark nationally. He captained Maharashtra in both T20 and List A formats, starting from the Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021. Under his leadership, Maharashtra’s cricket journey reached impressive heights, including the finals of the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy. On June 3, 2023, Ruturaj married his girlfriend Utkarsha. His achievements include leading Maharashtra cricket to significant successes.
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Beginnings to Cricketing Stardom
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s cricket journey ignited at 13 when he joined Thergaon Municipal Corporation Varroc Dilip Vengsarkar Academy. Swiftly, his talent shone in tournaments, like the 2010 Cadence Trophy where he scored 63 runs and claimed the man of the match award. His rise continued with a remarkable 306-run partnership in the 2015 Maharashtra Invitational. This led to debuts in multiple formats for Maharashtra and a spot in India’s 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup squad. Notching four centuries in the 2019 Mandke Trophy highlighted his excellence in domestic cricket.
Performance in Indian Domestic Cricket
Ruturaj Gaikwad is now synonymous with outstanding batting in Indian domestic cricket. His leadership in the 2021 Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw him amass 259 runs at an impressive average of 51.80 and a blazing strike rate of 150.71, commanding respect. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22, Ruturaj Gaikwad left his mark with an unbeaten 220 runs off 159 balls against Uttar Pradesh. This impressive feat also tied him with Virat Kohli’s record of four centuries in a single tournament. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s amazing record of hitting 16 sixes and 10 fours in just one game shows he’s a strong player in Indian cricket. He’s known for being really great in local matches, always coming through when the game needs a change.
IPL Glory and Leadership
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s cricketing prowess extends to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chennai Super Kings recognized his potential, picking him in the IPL auctions of 2019, 2020, and 2021 for 20 lakhs each time. However, it was his exceptional performance in 2022 that earned him a significant 6 crore deal. His peak came during IPL 2021, where he notched up an impressive 635 runs, including a century against Rajasthan Royals. This feat earned him the coveted Orange Cap and Emerging Player Award. Playing under the mentorship of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ruturaj has cemented his position as a key player for the team.
Historic Achievement: 7 Sixes in an Over
In a breathtaking moment during the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ruturaj Gaikwad etched his name in cricketing history. Playing for Maharashtra against Uttar Pradesh, he achieved an unprecedented feat – hitting 7 sixes in a single over. This remarkable achievement marked him as the first cricketer globally to accomplish this feat. His innings of 220 runs off 159 balls, which included 10 fours and 16 sixes, showcased his immense talent and determination. In addition to this record-breaking feat, Ruturaj also holds the record for the most centuries (12) in Vijay Hazare Trophy history.
