Ruturaj Gaikwad made a grand comeback to competitive cricket in the Buchi Babu Trophy 2025, scoring a stunning century against Himachal Pradesh. Recovering from an injury that prevented him from playing in the Indian Premier League, Gaikwad aimed to regain his form before the domestic season. His innings was a testament to his batting abilities. After the quick dismissal of Siddhesh Veer, Gaikwad and Arshin Kulkarni built a strong partnership, dominating the Himachal Pradesh bowling attack. Kulkarni scored a notable 146 runs with sixteen boundaries and one six, while Gaikwad batted with his signature style. At tea on Day 1, Maharashtra reached 300 for two, with Gaikwad not out at 104*, alongside skipper Ankeet Bawane (11*). This impressive performance is a significant boost for Gaikwad as he prepares for the upcoming domestic season. Having accumulated 2,632 runs in 65 First-Class matches, including seven centuries and 14 half-centuries, Gaikwad is a vital player in Maharashtra’s red-ball setup. His recent performance boosts his confidence and may lead to his return to longer formats of the game. With the home season approaching, this century could be a pivotal moment in Gaikwad’s career. Although injuries have presented challenges, his passion for scoring runs and achieving greatness remains unchanged.
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