Ruturaj Gaikwad demonstrated his comeback to cricket by scoring a captivating century against Himachal Pradesh in the Buchi Babu Trophy 2025. Returning after an injury that caused him to miss the Indian Premier League, Gaikwad was determined to regain his form before the domestic season began. His innings proved that his batting skills are still exceptional. When Maharashtra decided to bat, the early loss of Siddhesh Veer put some pressure on the team. However, Gaikwad, in partnership with Arshin Kulkarni, took charge, delivering impressive shots against the Himachal Pradesh bowlers. Kulkarni achieved a score of 146 runs from 190 balls, including sixteen boundaries and one six. Meanwhile, Gaikwad played with his characteristic finesse. By the end of the first day, Maharashtra had reached 300 for two, with Gaikwad remaining at 104*, joined by Ankeet Bawane (11*). This innings will boost Gaikwad’s confidence as he faces the upcoming domestic season. He has a strong record of 2,632 runs from 65 First-Class matches, including seven centuries and 14 half-centuries, making him a key player for Maharashtra in red-ball cricket. His recent performance boosts his confidence and may lead to a comeback in longer formats. As the home season approaches, this century could be a crucial turning point in Gaikwad’s career. His message is clear: setbacks may have occurred due to injuries, but his enthusiasm for runs and success is still strong.
