[WATCH]- Ruturaj Gaikwad Departs For 105 After An Attempted Six Against Marco Jansen In The 2nd ODI

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s superb knock came to a close during the second ODI between India and South Africa on Wednesday, December 3 in Raipur. The opener was dismissed in the 36th over of India’s innings after they were asked to bat first. Facing the fourth delivery of the over from Marco Jansen, Gaikwad attempted to launch the ball for a six but couldn’t execute the shot as intended.

He went for an aerial pull on a short-pitched delivery, but the ball didn’t get the desired elevation. Tony de Zorzi completed a comfortable catch at deep backward square leg, ending Gaikwad’s stay at the crease after he registered his maiden ODI hundred.

Gaikwad looked visibly dejected as he began the long walk back to the pavilion, but the crowd rose to their feet to applaud him for his outstanding innings. You can watch the video here:

https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/3B0E8P2P

The 28-year-old amassed 105 runs from only 83 deliveries, hitting 12 boundaries and two sixes while operating at a strike rate of 126.51. He also shared a record third-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli, adding 195 runs off just 156 balls.

Ruturaj Gaikwad marks ODI return with stunning century

Prior to the second ODI against South Africa, Ruturaj Gaikwad had scored only 123 runs from seven matches in the format, with just one fifty to his name. His last ODI appearance came in 2023, and he returned to the squad after a lengthy break.

He managed only eight runs off 14 deliveries in the opening match of the series, but he silenced all doubts with a magnificent century in the second ODI, making a strong statement on his return to the national side. His previous highest score in the format was 71, which he registered against Australia in Mohali in 2023.

Remarkably, Ruturaj Gaikwad reached his century in just 77 balls, marking the second-fastest ODI hundred for India against South Africa. He is only behind former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who holds the record for India’s quickest century against the Proteas, having scored 100 off just 68 balls in Centurion in 2011.

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