Indian captain Rohit Sharma is already under pressure to deliver with the bat on the ongoing tour of Australia, and now Ruturaj Gaikwad’s impressive century in List A cricket has only added to that pressing pressure ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Rohit Sharma’s numbers are not at all good so far in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as the experienced batsman managed just 19 runs in three innings against Australia at an average of 6.33. He has been struggling in Test cricket this year, averaging under 15s.
Pressure mounts on Rohit Sharma as Ruturaj Gaikwad shines in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been dominating domestic cricket while captaining the Maharashtra cricket team, strongly pushing his case for India’s dismissal and putting pressure on Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Gaikwad had an amazing performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 against Services.
Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara highlights Ravichandran Ashwin’s mid-series retirement to remind Rohit Sharma what he is missing
The Maharashtra captain smashed an electrifying 148* off just 74 balls to propel his team to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Services, as they chased a target of 204 in 20.2 overs at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai on the 23rd. of December.
Gaikwad’s combination of power and accuracy left fans and cricket experts in awe. Earlier, Maharashtra’s bowlers set the tone with their impressive efforts as Pradeep Dadhe and Satyajeet Bachhav dismantled the Services batting line-up with figures of 3/38 and 3/36 respectively. His disciplined bowling restricted serves to a modest total of 204, and then Gaikwad made quick work of it for Maharashtra.
Ruturaj Gaikwas hits 4 boundaries and 11 sixes against Services
Ruturaj Gaikwad took center stage during the chase and launched an all-out assault on the Services players. The Maharashtra captain’s innings was spectacular with 14 boundaries and a staggering 11 sixes in the VHT 2024-25 match in Mumbai.
With fearless aggression and impeccable timing, Gaikwad’s display of dominance sealed the match for Maharashtra in style. Well, this phenomenal performance has not only bolstered Maharashtra’s campaign in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 but has also increased Gaikwad’s chances of inclusion in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar exposes Rohit Sharma in front of the world
As India prepares for the high-stakes Boxing Day Test against Australia, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s brilliant performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 has caught the attention of the national selectors.
Ruturaj Gaikwad catches attention of Indian selectors with explosive batting
National selectors are closely monitoring performance in the tournament to identify talent for India’s 50-over plans, and Gaikwad’s exceptional form has boosted his chances of making the national team.
The CSK captain’s unique ability to consistently anchor the innings with explosive batting makes him a strong candidate for India’s white-ball lineup and the 2024-25 Champions Trophy.
Apart from Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan also caught the eye with a stunning knock of 134 runs off just 78 balls for Jharkhand in their win against Manipur, adding more intensity to the battle for the limited overs places in Team India.
Notably, Gaikwad has been named Player of the Match for his unbeaten win against Services. Maharashtra will take on Meghalaya in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 on December 26 at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.