In the competitive world of Indian cricket, few players embody consistency and adaptability like Ruturaj Gaikwad. Born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra, Gaikwad’s journey began at age five when he first picked up a bat. His passion led him to the Vengsarkar Cricket Academy at 11, where his raw talent was honed into a professional edge. Playing for Maharashtra across age-group levels, he quickly rose through the ranks.
Gaikwad’s breakthrough came in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who bought him for 20 lakhs in 2018. An injury sidelined him in 2019, but 2020 saw him explode with three half-centuries in six matches, scoring 204 runs and earning MS Dhoni’s trust. By 2021, he was CSK’s regular opener, smashing a century and four fifties for 635 runs, pivotal in their championship win. His IPL stats speak volumes: 368 runs in 2022, 590 in 2023, 583 in 2024, and 122 in five games of 2025. Now CSK’s most expensive player at 18 crores alongside Sanju Samson, he even captained the side in 2024.
Despite this domestic and IPL dominance, Gaikwad’s international career lags. He debuted in T20Is on July 28, 2021, and ODIs on October 6, 2022, but awaits a Test cap. In eight ODI innings, he has a century and a fifty for 228 runs; in 20 T20I innings, a ton and four fifties for 633 runs. Under his leadership, India won gold at the Asian Games. Yet, a century against South Africa was followed by a drop for the New Zealand series, highlighting his precarious selection status.
Undeterred, Gaikwad thrives in domestic cricket for Maharashtra. In 44 first-class matches (74 innings), he boasts nine centuries and 17 fifties for 3,212 runs. In 99 List A games, 20 tons and 19 fifties yield 5,060 runs, including a double hundred of 220*. As Maharashtra captain, his versatility across formats shines. While IPL glory mounts, Gaikwad’s wait for a stable India spot continues, a testament to the cut-throat nature of selection.