"Victim of politics & favouritism" - Fans hail Ruturaj Gaikwad for his maiden ODI hundred in Raipur

Team India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad reached his maiden ODI century during the second match against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3. Fans were delighted as the batter made the most of the opportunity in his comeback series.

Gaikwad earned his way back into India’s ODI squad for the first time since 2023 after impressing in the India A series against South Africa A, where he scored 117, an unbeaten 68, and 25. However, the young batter couldn’t carry that form into the opening ODI in Ranchi, managing only 8 runs off 14 balls.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Walks In After Two Early Powerplay Wickets

India made a positive start after being asked to bat first. The Men in Blue lost openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma inside the powerplay. Rohit was dismissed by left-arm pacer Nandre Burger for 14 runs.

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Virat Kohli walked in and looked confident right away. He began his innings with a big six off Lungi Ngidi and kept the scoreboard moving. Jaiswal, meanwhile, could not convert his start into a bigger score and was dismissed for 22 after struggling to find rhythm.

With both openers gone early, India needed someone to steady the innings. Ruturaj Gaikwad then joined Kohli. He had some early luck, picking up runs off a few edges, including a top-edged six. He reached his half-century in 52 balls and helped India rebuild the innings after the early setbacks.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Reaches Maiden Century in ODI Cricket

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his first-ever ODI century in the 34th over of India’s innings. The right-handed batter reached the milestone in just 77 balls under pressure.

Gaikwad shifted gears after reaching his half-century. He brought up his century with a pull shot for four off Corbin Bosch. As soon as he reached the landmark, he took off his helmet, raised his bat, and soaked in the loud cheers from the Raipur crowd.

Virat Kohli walked up immediately and gave him a big hug. The Indian dressing room also stood up and applauded. It was an emotional moment for Gaikwad. However, he was dismissed after scoring 105 runs off 83 balls and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Fans Hail Ruturaj Gaikwad Following his Maiden ODI Hundred in Raipur

Scoring a hundred at a position he’s never batted in shows the kind of ability this man possesses. Top 💯 by Ruturaj Gaekwad 👏 pic.twitter.com/3wcQAPSw67

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 3, 2025

Ruturaj Gaikwad 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bETHfdgQ17

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) December 3, 2025

Ruturaj Gaikwad to haters pic.twitter.com/3Yh2yQYnHf

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 3, 2025

Create your own chance and take it like Ruturaj Gaikwad. pic.twitter.com/qidG4bddh9

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) December 3, 2025

🚨 The Comeback of Ruturaj Gaikwad

- Unlucky with Injuries
- Victim of Politics & Favouritism
- Ranked 7th yet dropped
- No selection for 2 years

Yet never cried on Social media, toiled hard in domestics, Earned his place & showed his real talent ✨🔥pic.twitter.com/Z0NyNVXuv9

— Navneet 🚩 (@MSDian067) December 3, 2025

Absolute Cricket! 🔥 #WhistlePodu
📸: BCCI pic.twitter.com/0LX2YoMkPb

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 3, 2025

FIRST ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL CENTURY FOR RUTURAJ GAIKWAD 😭😭🔥🔥

LOVE YOU BRO @Ruutu1331
pic.twitter.com/5JcDPpQDX7

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) December 3, 2025

1st fifty - 52 balls.
Next fifty - 25 balls.

ONE OF CRAZIEST ACCELERATIONS BY RUTURAJ GAIKWAD TO REACH HIS MAIDEN HUNDRED. pic.twitter.com/QztOF2OIxj

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 3, 2025

Also read: India lose 20th consecutive ODI toss to extend unwanted world record streak, KL Rahul angry