IND VS SA: Ruturaj Gaikwad shines in Raipur, smashes 77-ball hundred against South Africa

India's second ODI against South Africa in Raipur proved to be a special match for Ruturaj Gaikwad, as the young opener smashed his maiden international hundred.

New Delhi: India’s second ODI against South Africa in Raipur proved to be a special outing for Ruturaj Gaikwad, as the young opener smashed his maiden international hundred.

Ruturaj walked in with bat when India was already two wickets down. He played a calm and composed knock, crafting a brilliant 105 off 83 deliveries to put the hosts in a dominant spot.

Gaikwad started off on a shaky note, particularly against the steep bounce generated by Marco Jansen. The tall left-arm pacer tried troubling him with his swing and tricky lengths, compelling the right-hander to start his innings with caution. But after surviving the early challenge, Gaikwad shifted his momentum with ease. He brought up his fifty in 52 balls, measured, composed, and controlled. From there, he moved into top gear, accelerating effortlessly.

Gaikwad greeted with a warm hug from Virat Kohli

The defining moment came in the 34th over when Corbin Bosch bowled a short delivery. Gaikwad, quick on the pull, sent it past mid-on for a boundary. As the ball raced to the fence, he removed his helmet, raised his bat, and was greeted with a warm hug from Virat Kohli at the other end.

Gaikwad smashed 77-ball maiden ODI century on a pitch that initially required patience and technique. His innings included 12 boundaries and two towering `sixes.

Gaikwad stitched a 195-run partnership with Kohli

He also stitched a 195-run partnership with Kohli, who himself batted fluently and moved into the nineties before Gaikwad’s dismissal. Together, they rescued India from a precarious 62 for 2 and established firm control at 257 for 3 by the 36th over.

Gaikwad got caught by Jansen while trying to accelerate the scoring, but by then his job was done. His knock not only provided India with a commanding platform but also reinforced his credentials as a long-term ODI prospect.