Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t just return to the pitch—he rescued it. In his first competitive outing since a five-month injury layoff, the Maharashtra opener delivered a masterclass in composure and grit, scoring a patient 91 against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy—just as his team teetered on the edge of collapse.
While headlines buzzed about Prithvi Shaw’s fourth duck in five innings, Gaikwad quietly rewrote the script. On a seaming, unpredictable track in Thiruvananthapuram, Maharashtra lost four wickets for just 47 runs. Panic loomed. But then came the calm.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Steps Up When Maharashtra Needed Him Most
Walking in at No. 3, Gaikwad faced a nightmare scenario: a crumbling top order, a green-tinged pitch offering sharp movement, and Kerala’s new-ball duo—Sijomon Joseph and Basil Thampi—on fire. Yet, the 28-year-old showed zero rust.
His innings wasn’t flashy—it was foundational. With a compact technique, soft hands, and unwavering focus, Gaikwad defied the conditions for over three hours. He rotated strike intelligently, punished the rare loose ball, and refused to chase glory at the cost of stability.
“This knock was about responsibility,” Gaikwad said post-stumps. “When the team’s in trouble, you don’t think about form—you think about survival.”
The Gaikwad-Saxena Stand That Changed the Game
What turned a potential rout into a respectable total was Gaikwad’s 112-run partnership with Jalaj Saxena, whose stoic 49 provided the perfect foil. While Saxena played the anchor, Gaikwad gradually shifted gears—his strike rate climbing from 42 in the first 50 balls to 68 by the end.
Together, they took Maharashtra from 47/4 to 159/5, laying the platform for a fighting total of 248 all out by day’s end.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Comeback Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | Suffered hamstring tear during IPL 2025 |
| June–September 2025 | Rehabilitation and conditioning in Pune |
| October 10, 2025 | Played practice match for Maharashtra A |
| October 15, 2025 | Scored 91 vs Kerala in Ranji Trophy return |
Why This Innings Matters Beyond the Scorecard
Gaikwad’s knock comes at a critical juncture. With India’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against Australia under review, selectors are watching domestic performances closely. Shaw’s repeated failures—four ducks in his last five first-class innings—have raised serious doubts about his temperament.
Meanwhile, Gaikwad’s blend of elegance and resilience makes him a compelling alternative. He’s already proven his white-ball credentials as CSK’s former IPL-winning captain. Now, he’s staking a red-ball claim.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer noted: “Ruturaj has always had the technique. Today, he showed the temperament to match. That’s what India needs right now.”
What’s Next for Ruturaj Gaikwad?
If he continues this form, a national call-up seems inevitable. More immediately, Maharashtra will rely on him to lead the batting unit through a tough Ranji campaign. And with the pitch expected to deteriorate over the next two days, his ability to occupy the crease could prove decisive in the match outcome.
For now, Gaikwad isn’t looking ahead. “One innings at a time,” he said with a smile. “But yeah—it feels good to be back.”