Ruturaj Gaikwad’s tonality puts Rohit Sharma under immense pressure
indian captain Rohit Sharma is already under pressure to deliver with the bat in the ongoing Australia tour, and now Ruturaj GaikwadThe 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 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 15.
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, pushing his case hard for India’s withdrawal and putting pressure on Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Gaikwad delivered a mind-blowing performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 against the Services.
The Maharashtra captain smashed an electrifying 148* off just 74 balls to power his side to a nine-wicket victory over Services as they chased down a target of 204 in 20.2 overs at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai on 23 december
Gaikwad’s combination of power and accuracy left cricket fans and pundits in awe. Earlier, the Maharashtra 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 bowling discipline restricted the services to a modest total of 204, after which Gaikwad made quick work of Maharashtra.
Ruturaj Gaikwas hits 4 boundaries and 11 sixes against Services
Ruturaj Gaikwad took center stage during the chase, launching an all-out assault on the servicemen. The Maharashtra skipper’s innings was spectacular, with 14 boundaries and a staggering 11 sixes in the VHT 2024-25 encounter 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 strengthened Maharashtra’s campaign in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, but has also increased Gaikwad’s chances of being included in India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
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As India prepares for the 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 the 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 contender for India’s white-ball line-up 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 heat to the battle for limited places in the Indian team.
Notably, Gaikwad has been named Player of the Match for his unbeaten match-winning knock against Services. Maharashtra will take on Meghalaya in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 on December 26 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.
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