When Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed an unbeaten 134 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he didn’t just win a match—he shattered ceilings. With that knock, the 27-year-old became the fastest batter in history to reach 20 List A centuries, achieving the milestone in just 95 innings. He also crossed 5,000 List A runs faster than anyone before him—including global icons like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam .
And yet, in a move that has left fans and pundits stunned, Gaikwad was omitted from India’s upcoming ODI squad—even though he scored a brilliant century against South Africa just months ago.
This isn’t just about one player’s frustration. It’s about a growing disconnect between domestic dominance and national recognition. How can a batter rewrite record books and still be deemed “not ready” for the big stage?
Table of Contents
- Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Historic Vijay Hazare Knock
- Ruturaj Gaikwad Records: By the Numbers
- How He Surpasses Kohli and Babar
- The India Selection Controversy
- CSK Captaincy and Future Prospects
- Conclusion: Is Domestic Excellence Enough?
- Sources
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Historic Vijay Hazare Knock
Batting for Maharashtra against a competitive opponent, Gaikwad played a masterclass in controlled aggression. His 134* came off just 122 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and 3 sixes. But beyond the aesthetics, it was the context that mattered.
This wasn’t just another ton—it was his 20th in List A cricket, achieved in only his 95th innings. To put that in perspective, Virat Kohli needed 114 innings to reach the same mark. Babar Azam? 108 .
More impressively, Gaikwad became the quickest ever to 5,000 List A runs—a testament to both consistency and longevity at the highest domestic level.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Records: By the Numbers
Let’s break down just how extraordinary his domestic career has been:
- 20 List A centuries in 95 innings (Fastest ever)
- 5,000+ List A runs at an average of 54.80 and strike rate of 89.2
- 1 ODI century (vs South Africa, 2025) in just his 8th match
- 2 IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings, now named captain for IPL 2026
[INTERNAL_LINK:india-odi-openers-watchlist] These aren’t fringe stats—they’re elite, world-class numbers that rival any top-order batter globally.
How He Surpasses Kohli and Babar
Comparisons to legends are never fair—but the data speaks loudly:
| Player | Innings to 20 List A Centuries | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 95 | 54.80 |
| Virat Kohli | 114 | 56.12 |
| Babar Azam | 108 | 52.90 |
While Kohli’s overall average remains slightly higher, Gaikwad reached the century milestone 19 innings faster than the Indian great. In the modern era—where pitch conditions, bowling quality, and competition intensity have evolved—this acceleration is even more remarkable.
The India Selection Controversy
Despite this historic form and his ODI century, Gaikwad was left out of India’s 16-man squad for the upcoming series. The official reasoning? “Form in white-ball cricket” and “team balance.”
But critics aren’t buying it. Former selector Saba Karim told ESPNcricinfo, “When a player breaks records that stood for decades, you don’t ignore him. You build around him.”
With Shubman Gill opening and Yashasvi Jaiswal cemented at No. 3, selectors may see Gaikwad as “redundant.” But his ability to anchor or accelerate makes him ideal for No. 4—a slot currently filled by inconsistent performers.
CSK Captaincy and Future Prospects
On the franchise front, Gaikwad’s stock is soaring. Chennai Super Kings have named him captain for IPL 2026—a massive vote of confidence from MS Dhoni and the management . Leading a legacy team like CSK will test his tactical acumen and leadership under pressure.
If he excels in that role—and continues his domestic dominance—the national selectors may have no choice but to relent. After all, you can only overlook history for so long.
Conclusion: Is Domestic Excellence Enough?
The Ruturaj Gaikwad records saga highlights a deeper issue in Indian cricket: the undervaluation of sustained domestic performance. While T20 leagues offer glamour, List A cricket remains the true proving ground for ODI batting.
Gaikwad has done everything asked of him—scored mountains of runs, broken legendary records, and delivered on the international stage when given a chance. Now, it’s up to the selectors to answer: what more does he need to do?