Maharashtra's batting maestro Ruturaj Gaikwad produced a masterclass on Thursday, crafting a magnificent 134 runs off 131 deliveries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This innings was not just about winning the match for his side; it was a performance that etched his name into the record books with multiple historic milestones.
A Knock of Patience and Authority
Facing Goa, Gaikwad constructed his innings with a blend of supreme composure and commanding strokeplay. His knock, adorned with eight boundaries and six maximums, was the cornerstone of Maharashtra's total of 249 for 7. The match culminated in a nail-biting finish, with Maharashtra securing a tense three-run victory. This century highlighted Gaikwad's renowned ability to convert starts into substantial scores, a trait that defines his prolific domestic career.
Record-Breaking Feats in Vijay Hazare Trophy
The innings propelled Gaikwad to the pinnacle of Vijay Hazare Trophy history. He drew level with veteran Ankit Bawne for the most centuries (15) in the tournament's history. However, the context of this achievement is staggering. Gaikwad matched Bawne's tally in a mere 57 innings, while Bawne took 94 innings to reach the same mark.
Furthermore, Gaikwad scaled an even greater peak in List A cricket globally. He is now the fastest player ever to score 20 List A hundreds, reaching the landmark in just 95 innings. This shattered the previous joint record of 129 innings held by Mayank Agarwal and Pakistan's Khurram Manzoor. Modern batting icons like Babar Azam and Virat Kohli took 131 and 143 innings respectively to achieve this feat.
Topping Elite Batting Averages
Gaikwad's dominance is reflected in his extraordinary consistency. Among batters with a minimum of 50 List A innings, he now possesses the highest batting average of 58.83. This places him ahead of legendary names known for their one-day prowess, including Michael Bevan (57.86), Sam Hain (57.76), Virat Kohli (57.67), and Cheteshwar Pujara (57.01).
During this monumental innings, Gaikwad also raced to another milestone, becoming the fastest batter to complete 5,000 runs in List A cricket, adding another layer to his memorable day.
International Omission Raises Eyebrows
Despite this relentless run-scoring and record-breaking form, Gaikwad's journey hit an unexpected roadblock. The 28-year-old was a surprise omission from India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January. This decision has puzzled many observers, especially as it comes shortly after he scored his maiden ODI century against South Africa in December 2025.
At a crucial juncture in his career, Gaikwad's staggering domestic numbers present an undeniable case for more sustained opportunities at the international level. His leadership stock is also rising, as he is slated to lead the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 season, a testament to the high regard he is held in by one of the league's most successful franchises.
