Ruturaj Gaikwad's Triumphant Return in Raipur
A Special Comeback
Ruturaj Gaikwad made a dramatic return in the second ODI against South Africa, scoring his first-ever century in this format. This momentous achievement marked a special milestone for the talented batsman and his fans.
The Road Back
After being sidelined from the ODI team since 2023, Gaikwad earned his spot back after impressive performances in the India A series. However, his first match in Ranchi did not go as planned, as he managed only 8 runs.
A Strong Start for India
The match in Raipur began promisingly for India, with the team batting first. However, they lost two quick wickets—Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma—early in the innings. Virat Kohli then stepped up, hitting a six off the first ball he faced, setting a strong tone.
Gaikwad's Stellar Performance
Gaikwad joined Kohli after the early setbacks. He started cautiously but soon found his rhythm. He reached his half-century in 52 balls and then accelerated his scoring, reaching his century in the 34th over. The crowd in Raipur erupted in cheers as he achieved this milestone.
A Hero's Welcome
Kohli hugged Gaikwad, and the team stood up to applaud his incredible feat. However, shortly after, Gaikwad was dismissed for 105 runs, but the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Fan Reactions
Fans praised Gaikwad for his hard work and dedication, celebrating his triumphant comeback. It was a moment of pride for the young cricketer and his supporters.