Ruturaj Gaikwad accused of forcing domestic Indian player to quit cricket; rattling mentally

In a jaw-dropping display of power hitting, Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed seven consecutive sixes off the bowling of Shiva Singh during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022 quarterfinal between Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, leaving fans and players in utter disbelief.

During a dramatic over at the Narendra Modi Stadium, B Ground in Ahmedabad, Shiva faced a relentless assault from Gaikwad. The Maharashtra captain began by smashing four consecutive sixes.

On the fifth delivery, Singh’s woes intensified as he overstepped, and Ruturaj Gaikwad capitalized by sending the ball over the boundary as well. The punishment continued relentlessly, with the final two legal deliveries of the over also being dispatched for sixes against the Uttar Pradesh pacer.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's record-breaking seven sixes in an over-shattered Shiva Singh

This remarkable display of power hitting not only secured Ruturaj Gaikwad’s double century but also helped him to etch his name in the record books as the first player to hit seven sixes in a single over in limited-overs cricket.

The sheer assault of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s innings overshadowed Shiva’s attempt to contain the onslaught, which was a brutal reminder of the harsh realities faced by bowlers in high-stakes games. Amidst the onslaught, the Under-19 World Cup winner was plunged into a whirlwind of emotions.

The relentless barrage of sixes left him not just battered on the field but mentally shaken, as Shiva recalled the toughest day of his career so far after two years. The magnitude of the situation left him questioning his future in the game.

It was not just about the runs conceded, but it was also the weight of public scrutiny and personal doubts that hit him hardest. The aftermath of this horrific display saw Shiva grappling with intense self-doubt.

I felt like I should quit cricket: Shiva Singh

The phone calls from friends and the unrelenting comparisons to other bowlers who have faced similar disasters, such as Stuart Broad, only added to his distress. He admitted to contemplating quitting cricket as he struggled to regain his composure and confidence.

Shiva Singh said in a viral video: “I mean, I was hit for 7 sixes, but I wasn't able to concentrate in the match. A lot of people called me at that time. I felt like I should quit cricket. What will I do in the future? I mean, I wasn't able to face people at that time. I mean, I know that it was very difficult for me to cut one week. Everyone was giving me an example of Stuart Broad. But I wasn't able to understand that at that time.”

"I was not able to concentrate on my game, I thought of quitting cricket as I couldn't not face people!"

- 2018 U19 WC winner Shiva Singh on '7 sixes incident' with #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/45v6WUHnmt

— Max Unwell (@thalaterritory) September 16, 2024

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad's explosive innings played a crucial role in Maharashtra's convincing 58-run victory over Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022 quarterfinal in Ahmedabad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (43 runs) surpassed Zimbabwe’s Elton Chigumbura, who had previously held the record for most runs in an over with 39 runs during a 2013 Dhaka Premier Division match.

The 43 runs conceded in that over by Shiva tied for the most expensive over in List-A cricket history. This record is shared with Northern Districts' Brett Hampton and Joe Carter, who conceded 43 runs off an over bowl by Central Districts’ Willem Ludick in a Ford Trophy match in 2018.