WARNING Signs for Shreyas Iyer as India Find New Star in ODIs

Ruturaj Gaikwad produced a splendid innings in the 2nd ODI, bringing up his maiden international hundred in the ODI format. He walked in after two early setbacks to India as both openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, departed after scoring 14 and 22 runs respectively. Gaikwad showed his smart shot selection before gradually shifting gears. He rotated the strike beautifully with Virat Kohli, who is one of the best batsman in the world. Gaikwad batted with a strike rate of nearly 120 with 12 fours and 2 sixes.

Ruturaj Gaikwad century made a strong case for a permanent spot in India’s ODI lineup with an impressive performance in Raipur. He was promoted to No. 4 ahead of Rishabh Pant. The CSK skipper justified Gautam Gambhir’s trust by crafting a superb century in partnership with Virat Kohli. The knock marked only the second time Gaikwad has crossed fifty in ODIs, achieved in just his eighth outing.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Maiden Hundred in ODI

Batting at number 4, Ruturaj Gaikwad raised his bat to a warm applause from the dressing room as the fans and teammates acknowledged his maiden century off just 77 balls. More than just a personal landmark, the knock showcased Gaikwad’s technical stability and hinted at being a long-term pillar in India’s ODI top order.

The 28-year-old made sure Virat Kohli never had to carry extra weight at the other end, settling in and making amends for his missed chance in the opening ODI. Keshav Maharaj, in particular, struggled to contain him once Gaikwad crossed fifty; the CSK skipper shifted gears effortlessly, racing from 50 to his century in just 25 balls.

For Gaikwad, this innings couldn’t have come at a better time. After being selected as a backup opener, he was pushed into the middle order by Gautam Gambhir, and he has handled the role with maturity. After a strong India A stint, he has carried that form into the senior side. He was Shreyas Iyer replacement for the series, but might even become a permanent feature in the lineup. His flexibility to bat both at the top and in the middle could prove crucial for India in the upcoming white-ball tournaments.