Ruturaj Gaikwad presents strong case for BGT 2024-25 with excellent hundred in Ranji Trophy

Top order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad presented a strong case for himself to be a part of India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. According to the reports, he is already seen as the reserve opener for the five-match Test series against Australia.

Gaikwad was dismissed for a second-ball duck in the first innings of the ongoing Ranji Trophy match for Maharashtra against Mumbai by bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur. He was under immense pressure coming into the second innings.

However, the Maharashtra captain showed his class in the second innings and helped his team stage a fine comeback. He was well supported by Sachin Dhas as both of them stitched together a brilliant partnership against a strong Mumbai bowling attack.

Also read: Tom Latham openly thanks Rohit Sharma for helping NZ secure historic victory in Bengaluru Test

Ruturaj Gaikwad presents strong case for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Ruturaj Gaikwad reaches 100 with a pull shot for 2 off Shardul Thakur, 💯 off 87 balls..14x4, 2x6..Sachin Dhas 71 no Maharashtra 176-1 in 2nd innings ..their grand fightback at BKC vs Mumbai continues on Day 3 #RanjiTrophy

— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) October 20, 2024

Gaikwad gave up his opening spot and came to bat at No. 3 in the second innings. Maharashtra were in deep trouble after having conceded a lead of 315 runs to Mumbai. In reply, they also lost the opener Siddhesh Veer in just the second ball of the innings.

But Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sachin Dhas resurrected the innings with a fine partnership for the second wicket. While Dhas was patient and solid, Gaikwad was more attacking and showed intent right from the start.

Ruturaj Gaikwad bails Maharashtra out of early trouble

He showed his class with some eye-catching fours as he made full use of the attacking fields set by Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane. He was particularly aggressive against the left-arm spinner Shams Mulani and used the crease well against him.

The 27-year-old reached his hundred with a pull shot off Shardul Thakur for a couple of runs. His century came off just 87 balls with 14 fours and 2 sixes. Maharashtra were 207-1 at lunch on Day 3 with Gaikwad batting on 114 off 122 balls. Under-19 sensation Sachin Dhas was unbeaten at the crease on 89 off 182 deliveries.

Great sign for Team India

Ruturaj Gaikwad's form is a great sign for Team India as he is likely to be selected for the five-match Test series against Australia. While captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the first-choice openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to be the reserve opener for the series.

Gaikwad has good technique and is also an experienced red-ball cricketer in domestic cricket. He is versatile enough to bat in the middle order as well which makes him a perfect option to be selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He also suits well for India's newly adopted aggressive approach in Test cricket.

India will play a five-match Test series against Australia scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth. The next four Tests will be played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.