Star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed his first-ever ODI century in the second match between India and South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3. He delivered a brilliant innings and reached the landmark with a boundary. In the 34th over, he achieved the milestone by pulling a short ball from Corbin Bosch past mid-on for four. Gaikwad eventually fell after scoring 105 off only 83 deliveries.
His outstanding knock featured 12 fours and two sixes, giving him a strike rate of 126.51. Before this South Africa series, he had last played an ODI in 2023. With Shreyas Iyer unavailable, Gaikwad was given the chance to bat at number four. Although he had an ordinary performance in the opening match, he bounced back strongly to showcase his true potential this time.
Fans praised him for his outstanding century, which highlighted his dominance and reflected his exceptional quality as a batter. Here are some reactions:
THE PROUD FEELING OF REACHING YOUR MAIDEN ODI HUNDRED. 🥹
– Take a bow, Ruturaj Gaikwad. 🫡🇮🇳
pic.twitter.com/ktaYJ3zZZH— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the den, Ruturaj Gaikwad! #SuperAuction #PrideOf19 #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/nM4E85dYWE
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 18, 2018
-No PR
-No Controversy
-No Drama
-No Insta Story
-No sledging
-No politics
-No attitudeJust Pure Class & Some Damn Good Cricket That's Ruturaj Gaikwad For U pic.twitter.com/ssCwuFPU4v
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@AaravMsd_07) December 3, 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the biggest victim of Ajit Agarkar's favouritism & politics. I love Rutu & his success always feels personal❤️
Agarkar dropped Gaikwad from T20I squad when he had better stat than Shubman Gill. Shame on you Ajit Agarkar, Shame!!pic.twitter.com/IeRA6glfPJ
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 3, 2025
MAIDEN ODI HUNDRED for Ruturaj Gaikwad! The class was evident, the confidence was there. A truly statement innings to anchor the team alongside Kohli. Fantastic knock, Rutu!
— Asif Khan (@_asif) December 3, 2025
A moment to cherish for Ruturaj Gaikwad! The calm and composed right-hander converts promise into performance, slamming his maiden ODI century for India! What an innings, especially after the early wickets. The future is bright!
— Asif Khan (@_asif) December 3, 2025
What a 𝐭𝐨𝐧-derful partnership! 💯
🚨 The 195-run stand between Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad is the highest for any wicket in India–South Africa ODIs. 🔥#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/jTE9titSAh
— M K Meena (@MausamKumarMee4) December 3, 2025
Gaikwad came to the crease after India had already lost both openers during the powerplay. Despite the early setback, he handled the pressure calmly and began to counterattack once he found his rhythm at the crease.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Smashes Second-Fastest ODI Century For India Against South Africa
Ruturaj Gaikwad took his time to settle at the crease in the early phase of his innings. He reached his fifty off 52 deliveries while steadily building a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli. After bringing up his half-century, Gaikwad shifted momentum, taking full control and accelerating the scoring rate. He surged from fifty to a hundred in just 25 more balls, batting with outstanding fluency.
Gaikwad completed his century in just 77 balls, marking the second-fastest ODI hundred by an Indian against South Africa. He now sits just behind former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who hammered a 68-ball century against the Proteas in Centurion in 2011.
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