Know your Cricketer: Ruturaj Gaikwad; right hand Batter

Personal Information
Full Name	Ruturaj Dashrat Gaikwad
Date of Birth	January 31st, 1997
Current Team(s)	Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
	Indian Cricket Team
Role	Batter
Batting Style	Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style	Right Arm Offbreak
Debut	July 28th, 2021
Jersey No.	31

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the talented cricketer from India, has been making waves in the cricketing world with his impressive skills and performances. Representing Maharashtra in national games and the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gaikwad has established himself as a formidable right-handed batter and a right-arm off-break bowler. Born on January 31st, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra, Gaikwad's journey to success is a testament to his dedication and talent.

Early Career
Gaikwad embarked on his professional cricketing journey with Maharashtra in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. He quickly made a name for himself with his stellar performances, catching the attention of selectors and fans alike. In the same year, he made his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he showcased his batting prowess by accumulating 444 runs in just seven matches. This impressive feat included three half-centuries and one century, further solidifying his position as a rising star in Indian cricket.

Rise to Prominence
Gaikwad's exceptional talent didn't go unnoticed, and he went on to represent India at various levels. He had the honor of donning the jerseys of India A, India B, and India Blue at the Under-23 levels, showcasing his skills on the national stage. In the 2019 Mandke Trophy, Gaikwad achieved the remarkable feat of scoring four centuries in four consecutive matches, leaving spectators and experts in awe of his batting prowess.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Success
In 2021, Gaikwad continued to impress with his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He showcased his explosive batting skills by scoring 259 runs in just five matches, cementing his place among the top scorers of the tournament. Gaikwad's consistent performances and ability to score crucial runs under pressure earned him well-deserved recognition and praise from the cricketing fraternity.

International Debut
Gaikwad's hard work and dedication paid off when he received his first international call-up. He made his T20I debut for India against Sri Lanka in July 2021. Although he is still in the early stages of his international career, Gaikwad has already shown glimpses of his immense potential and is poised to make a significant impact in the coming years.

IPL Success
Gaikwad's skills in the shortest format of the game were recognized by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who acquired him prior to the IPL season in 2019. In the IPL, Gaikwad has had several standout moments that have further solidified his reputation as a rising star. One such moment came in October 2021 when he scored his first IPL century, an unbeaten 101 runs against the Rajasthan Royals.

Gaikwad's exceptional performances throughout the season earned him the prestigious Orange Cap for scoring the highest runs (635) in the 2021 IPL tournament. Additionally, he was named the Emerging Player of the Year, further highlighting his immense talent and potential. Gaikwad's consistent performances and ability to anchor the innings have made him an invaluable asset for CSK.

Retained by CSK
CSK recognized Gaikwad's immense potential and retained him for the IPL seasons 2022 and 2023, securing his services for a substantial sum of 6-6 Cr. This retention speaks volumes about the trust and confidence the franchise has in Gaikwad's abilities, and it provides him with the perfect platform to further hone his skills and make an even greater impact in the future.

Career Stats
Below is an overview of Ruturaj Gaikwad's accomplishments as a batsman across various cricket formats:

Conclusion
Ruturaj Gaikwad's journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days representing Maharashtra to his stellar performances in domestic tournaments and the IPL, Gaikwad has consistently proven himself as a talented and promising cricketer. With his solid technique, elegant strokeplay, and ability to perform under pressure, Gaikwad is undoubtedly a rising star of Indian cricket.

As he continues to develop his skills and gain more international exposure, Gaikwad has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team. His ability to adapt to different formats of the game and his hunger for success make him an exciting prospect for the future. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Gaikwad's continued growth and success as he aims to leave an indelible mark on the world of cricket.