Indian batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad warmed up for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a magnificent century for Maharashtra in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Gaikwad played a magnificent innings of 124 (113) to help Maharashtra to a total of 331/7 against Uttarakhand in their allotted 50 overs.
The right-handed batsman hit 12 fours and three sixes as he rescued his side from a precarious position of 100/4 in 23.3 overs.. Gaikwad went to the crease with Maharashtra struggling at 46/2 after openers Arshin Kulkarni (13 off 17) and Siddhesh Veer (12 off 20) were dismissed cheaply.
As Maharashtra reeled, Gaikwad first put together an important partnership with Rahul Tripathi to add 50 runs for the fifth wicket from 81 balls. He was then joined by Satyajeet Bachhav (56 off 45) as the duo put on an impressive 109-run stand for the sixth wicket off 88 deliveries.
After bringing up his half-century in 66 balls, Gaikwad shifted gears and added a brisk 94, run out off just 57 balls alongside Ramakrishna Ghosh (47 off 31). He reached his hundred off 104 deliveries and ensured a perfect end to Maharashtra’s innings. Gaikwad’s century comes at an ideal time, with the ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11.
The 28-year-old recently returned to the Indian team during the ODI series against South Africa. With Shreyas Iyer ruled out by injury, Gaikwad made the most of his return. registered his maiden ODI century as he scored 105 (83) in the second ODI at Raipur.
He had earlier plundered runs in India’s 2–1 series win against South Africa A, finishing in red-hot form with 201 runs from three innings. He was also named player of the series for his role in leading India to a series win. With Shreyas Iyer unlikely to be a part of the New Zealand series, Gaikwad will have another opportunity to push further in the upcoming rubber.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
December 31, 2025
