Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front with a brilliant counterattacking century against Arjun Tendulkar’s Goa in their Elite Group C clash of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Coming in at number five with the score at 2-3 in the second over, Gaikwad showcased his class with a commanding 134* from 131 balls, including eight fours and six towering sixes, at the Dr Soni Stadium in Jaipur.
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The innings marked his 20th List A hundred and his second century of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, sending a clear message to the national selectors as the 28-year-old keeps pushing for an ODI recall.
Ruturaj Gaikwad answers with a statement century
Just days after being overlooked for India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Gaikwad made his response on the field. Facing a challenging situation where Maharashtra were 25-5 and later 52-6 within the first 21 overs, the prolific right-hander unleashed a masterclass in counterattacking cricket.
Gaikwad shared a crucial 106-run seventh-wicket partnership with Vicky Ostwal (53 off 82) and later added an explosive 91-run stand with Rajvardhan Hangargekar (32* off 19) from just 42 deliveries, propelling Maharashtra to a competitive 249-7 in 50 overs.
It’s worth noting that Gaikwad last represented India a month ago during the ODI series against South Africa, where he smashed 105 off 83 balls in Raipur. His latest innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is a timely reminder of his consistency and hunger for a return to the national side.
