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Ruturaj Gaikwad
28 yrs
Batsman
31-Jan-1997
Right Handed Bat
Right-arm Offbreak
India, Maharashtra, Chennai Super Kings, India A, India B,
Ruturaj Gaikwad is an Indian cricketer known for his elegant right-handed batting style and leadership qualities. Born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra, he has quickly risen through the ranks in Indian cricket. Gaikwad made his first-class debut in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy for Maharashtra and subsequently impressed in domestic cricket with his consistent performances. His notable achievements include being the captain of the Maharashtra team in T20 and List A formats and leading the Indian squad to a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gaikwad plays for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he has been a key player, notably winning the Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer in the 2021 IPL season. That year, he also clinched the Emerging Player of the Year award, showcasing his potential on a grand stage. His international career took off with his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in July 2021, followed by his ODI debut against South Africa in October 2022. Gaikwad’s knack for performing under pressure has made him a valuable asset in the Indian cricket team, particularly in the shorter formats of the game.
Off the field, Gaikwad comes from a supportive middle-class family; his father, Dasharath Gaikwad, worked for the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), while his mother, Sawita Gaikwad, is a teacher. He got married to fellow cricketer Utkarsha Pawar in June 2023. His journey from local tournaments in Pune to becoming a national figure in cricket exemplifies his dedication and talent, marking him as one of the promising talents in Indian cricket.
Early Days and Domestic Cricket:
Ruturaj Gaikwad was born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra. His cricket journey began in local tournaments in Pune, where his talent quickly became evident. He made his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. His performances in domestic cricket were marked by consistency, both in the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A cricket). Gaikwad’s technique and temperament shone through, earning him a reputation as one of the promising young cricketers in India. He was notably prolific in the 2019-20 Ranji season, scoring 613 runs in 10 matches with an average of 61.30.
Indian Premier League (IPL):
Gaikwad’s big break came in the IPL when he was signed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2019. His IPL career didn’t start with immediate success; however, the 2020 season saw him struggle, but 2021 was a turning point. He was named the Emerging Player of the Season and won the Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer, amassing 635 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.35. His performances included several match-winning knocks, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. His success in the IPL continued, establishing him as a mainstay in the CSK lineup.
International Cricket:
Gaikwad made his T20I debut for India against Sri Lanka in July 2021. His first international innings was a fifty, indicating his readiness for international cricket. He followed this with his ODI debut against South Africa in October 2022. His performances have been a mix of high scores and learning experiences, with notable innings that have shown his capability to adapt to different conditions and bowling attacks. His elegant stroke play, especially against pace bowling, has been a highlight of his international outings.
Leadership and Recent Achievements:
Gaikwad has shown leadership qualities from a young age, captaining Maharashtra in domestic cricket. His leadership was further recognized when he led the Indian cricket team to a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This achievement was particularly special as it marked India’s return to cricket at the Asian Games after a long hiatus.
Style and Impact:
Ruturaj is known for his classical batting style, with a solid defensive technique complemented by an array of attacking shots. His ability to score all around the wicket, especially through the off-side, has drawn comparisons with some of India’s premier batsmen. His composure under pressure has been a key attribute, making him a go-to player in tight situations.
As of early 2025, Gaikwad’s career trajectory points towards a significant role in India’s cricketing future, both as a batsman and potentially as a leader. His journey from domestic cricket to international stardom is a testament to his hard work, skill, and the support system around him, including coaches, mentors, and the Chennai Super Kings franchise.