Ruturaj Gaikwad Arrives in Style: First ODI Ton and Kohli’s Class Power India Toward Another Big Score

Ruturaj Gaikwad lit up Raipur with a magnificent maiden ODI century that played a key role in putting India in a commanding position against South Africa. Known primarily for his IPL heroics and T20 exploits, Gaikwad finally translated his talent into the 50-over format with a match-changing knock.

India’s early innings was riddled with difficulty. At 65 for 2, the team was in a vulnerable position, and South Africa sensed an opportunity. But Gaikwad’s arrival at the crease ended any hopes the visitors might have had of tightening their grip on the game.

Gaikwad played with a blend of patience and flair. He read the bowlers brilliantly, chose the gaps intelligently and kept the scoreboard ticking. His third-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli became the centerpiece of India’s recovery. Their 195-run stand revived the innings and shifted complete control to the home side.

Reaching his first ODI hundred off just 77 balls, Gaikwad displayed everything from classical drives to crisp pull shots. By the time he departed for 105 off 83 balls, he had already put India on track for a huge total. His knock included 12 boundaries and two sixes, highlighting both his elegance and his power.

Gaikwad’s century adds to his earlier T20I hundred, giving him two international centuries from just 31 appearances across formats. His growing consistency will be a major boost to India’s long-term white-ball ambitions.

Kohli complemented Gaikwad perfectly. The former captain crafted a brilliant 102 off 93 balls, reinforcing his reputation as one of the world’s most reliable run-chases and innings-builders. His experience steadied the innings, while his composure ensured India stayed ahead throughout.

India’s first match in the series had already set the tone, with a massive 349-run total leading to a 17-run win. In Raipur too, their batting dominance was visible from the moment the Gaikwad-Kohli partnership flourished.

Crowds in Raipur were treated to a spectacle of class batting and emerging talent. Gaikwad’s maiden ODI century will be remembered not just for the milestone but for the confidence and authority with which he achieved it. As India builds toward the future, this innings could well be the moment that marks Gaikwad’s full arrival in international cricket.