Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 105 runs against South Africa

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 105 against South Africa at Centurion saved India from a massive collapse. Read the details of his gritty, masterclass innings

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 105: The Raipur Masterclass that Rescued India

Maiden ODI Century Lifts India After Early Stutters Against South Africa

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, on December 3, 2025, witnessed the official arrival of Ruturaj Gaikwad in the world of ODI cricket. Responding to the pressure of a critical situation, the young right-hander struck a spectacular 105 off just 83 balls, guiding India from a position of vulnerability to a commanding total in the second One Day International against South Africa.

This victory was pivotal for India, ensuring the home side took a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The Early Wobble

Having won the toss, South Africa opted to field first, backing their bowlers to exploit any early movement under the slightly overcast skies. The decision paid immediate dividends as India’s reliable opening pair faltered. Skipper KL Rahul and young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed cheaply, leaving the scoreboard at a worrying 62 for 2 within the first ten overs. The momentum was squarely with the tourists, and the Raipur crowd began to hold its breath.

It was in this tense atmosphere that Ruturaj Gaikwad walked to the crease at the number four position, a role he was settling into in the ODI set-up.

The Partnership of Calm and Class

What followed was a partnership of sheer class and composure with batting maestro Virat Kohli. Instead of succumbing to the pressure, Gaikwad exhibited the technique and temperament often hailed by his admirers. He began cautiously, rotating the strike to break the rhythm of the South African quicks, Marco Jansen and Nandre Burger.

Once the initial threat was navigated, Gaikwad began to unfurl his signature strokes. His innings was a showcase of elegant timing over brute force—the cover drives were immaculate, the flick off the pads was smooth, and crucially, his sweep shots against the spin of Keshav Maharaj were executed with a conviction that immediately shifted the pressure back onto the South African bowlers.

The duo stitched together a monumental 195-run partnership for the third wicket, which was the definitive turning point of the match. While Kohli played the perfect anchor, bringing up his own fifty, Gaikwad was the principal aggressor, finding the boundaries with increasing regularity.

The Emphatic Maiden Ton

The moment the crowd had been waiting for arrived in the 28th over. Gaikwad reached his maiden ODI century with a stunning pull shot over deep square leg, reaching the milestone off just 77 deliveries. His strike rate of over 136 for the knock highlighted the acceleration he brought to the innings after the early wickets. This century was not only his first in the ODI format but also became the second-fastest by an Indian batter against South Africa.

Ruturaj’s superb knock of 105 runs off 83 balls, featuring 12 fours and 4 sixes, was a perfect blend of stability and aggression. He was finally dismissed attempting to further increase the scoring rate, caught in the deep off Marco Jansen.

By the time he departed, he had propelled India’s total past 250, setting the platform for a massive score. A quick-fire finish by the lower order capitalised on his work, allowing India to post an unassailable total of 332/5.

Gaikwad’s performance was a statement—a definitive response to any lingering doubts about his ability to perform on the international stage. His century was truly a ‘Masterclass’ that rescued India and secured the series victory.