In the world of cricket, few things are more challenging than being asked to master a new role on the biggest stage. For Ruturaj Gaikwad, the call to shift from his familiar opening spot to the crucial No.4 position in the Indian ODI lineup wasn’t just a tactical tweak—it was a crucible for his entire international career. And in Raipur, on December 2, 2025, he didn’t just pass the test; he aced it with a magnificent, match-defining century.
His knock of 105 off just 83 balls wasn’t merely his first ODI hundred; it was a powerful statement about his versatility, resilience, and the immense trust placed in him by the team management. Let’s dive deep into how Ruturaj Gaikwad No.4 became the talk of the cricketing world.
Table of Contents
- The Challenge of a New Role at No.4
- Raipur Redemption: Gaikwad’s Century Breakdown
- Why the Team Management Believed in Gaikwad at No.4
- Silencing the Critics and Proving His Mettle
- What This Means for India’s Batting Future
- Conclusion: A Star Adapts and Shines
- Sources
The Challenge of a New Role at No.4
For a player who has built his reputation at the top of the order, slotting in at No.4 is a fundamentally different ball game. Openers look to see off the new ball and build a platform. The No.4, however, is the backbone of the innings—the player who must stabilize after a top-order wobble, accelerate against a tiring attack, or rebuild from scratch. It’s a role that demands immense tactical awareness and mental fortitude.
Moving Gaikwad down the order is a strategic gamble by the Indian think-tank, a move that has drawn its share of scrutiny. Former players and pundits have often debated the constant tweaks in India’s batting order, with some, like Anil Kumble, even calling it “a bit unsettling for the players” . For Gaikwad, the pressure was immense: deliver immediately, or risk being labeled a one-dimensional player.
Raipur Redemption: Gaikwad’s Century Breakdown
Facing a potent South African bowling attack in Raipur, India’s innings was on shaky ground early on. Coming in at a precarious situation, Gaikwad didn’t just rebuild; he launched a counter-attack of breathtaking audacity. His maiden ODI century—105 off 83 balls—was a masterclass in controlled aggression .
He reached his landmark in a mere 77 deliveries, which stands as the second-fastest ODI hundred by an Indian against South Africa, a feat only behind the explosive Yusuf Pathan . The innings was studded with 8 fours and 6 sixes, showcasing his full range of shots and an exceptional ability to find gaps under pressure . This wasn’t just a good innings; it was the innings of a player who had fully embraced his new identity in the middle order.
Why the Team Management Believed in Gaikwad at No.4
Gaikwad’s promotion wasn’t a random experiment. His domestic and IPL record paints the picture of a player with the perfect skillset for the No.4 role. In First-Class cricket, he boasts a stellar average of over 41, and in List A cricket, his average climbs to an impressive 56.15 . This consistency across formats shows he can build long innings and handle various match situations.
His IPL performances for the Chennai Super Kings have repeatedly demonstrated his ability to anchor an innings and accelerate at will. In IPL 2025, he was the only CSK batter with a strike rate over 150, highlighting his dual capabilities . The team management clearly saw this blend of solidity and firepower as the ideal recipe for the No.4 spot, a role that requires a player to be both a firefighter and a flamethrower.
Silencing the Critics and Proving His Mettle
Prior to this innings, Gaikwad’s ODI career had been a story of unfulfilled promise. In his first 5 matches, he had managed only 111 runs, with a highest score of 71 . Questions were mounting about his suitability for the international format. His failure in the previous ODI in Ranchi, where he scored just 8 runs, had only amplified the noise .
His century in Raipur was the perfect, emphatic response. It wasn’t just about the runs; it was about the manner of his dismissal—he was the last recognized batsman out, having carried his bat deep into the innings and anchored the team’s total. This performance has shifted the narrative from “can he make it?” to “how vital can he become?”.
What This Means for India’s Batting Future
Gaikwad’s success at No.4 provides the Indian team with a much-needed strategic advantage and stability in the middle order. With senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the crease, having a reliable and dynamic player like Gaikwad at No.4 creates a formidable top four that can handle any bowling attack.
This move also offers flexibility. If the situation demands an opener, Gaikwad can slot back in. If the middle order needs a rock, he’s there. He’s become a versatile asset in a lineup that has sometimes struggled for a consistent No.4. His performance in Raipur may well be the catalyst that finally solidifies India’s often-volatile batting order.
Conclusion: A Star Adapts and Shines
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden ODI century is more than just a personal milestone. It’s a testament to his adaptability, a vindication of the team management’s vision, and a potential turning point for India’s batting structure. By conquering the No.4 role with such authority, he has silenced his critics and firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s future. The privilege of the team’s confidence has been repaid in full, with interest, on the pitch in Raipur.
Sources
- Times of India. (2025). ‘Privilege to have team’s confidence’: Gaikwad on batting at No.4 after ton. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-south-africa/privilege-to-have-team-managements-confidence-ruturaj-gaikwad-on-adapting-to-no-4-after-maiden-odi-ton/articleshow/125759554.cms
- ESPNCricinfo. (2025). Ruturaj Gaikwad Profile – Career Stats. Retrieved from [https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ruturaj-gaikwad-554461](https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ruturaj-gaikwad-554461) [[1], [8], [9], [10], [22], [25]]
- Cricket.com. (2025). Anil Kumble raises concerns about constant tweaks in India’s batting order. Retrieved from [https://www.cricket.com](https://www.cricket.com)