2nd ODI between India And South Africa Became a memorable spectacle for Indian fans in Raipur Ruturaj Gaikwad Produced a batting masterclass to register his maiden ODI century. After a quiet performance in the series opener in Ranchi, the stylish right-hander showed exceptional timing, composure and intent to reach three figures in just 77 balls, sending the Raipur crowd into a frenzy. brilliantly supported by Virat Kohli At the other end, Gaikwad’s innings laid a solid platform for India to post a huge score in the series-defining clash.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s first century excited the Raipur crowd.
Gaikwad announced his arrival on the big stage with a brilliant century, completing his half-century and achieving the historic feat in just 17 extra balls. Her innings, studded with 12 fours and 2 sixes, was a perfect blend of elegance and controlled aggression.
This milestone was important not only for India but also for Gaikwad personally, as he left Australia behind Michael Bevan To record the highest List A batting average (58.02) in the world. This achievement further cemented his reputation as one of India’s most consistent modern white-ball batsmen.
Gaikwad’s return to form after a disappointing innings of 8 runs in the first ODI was strong. He carried on with his innings with remarkable clarity – starting cautiously before unleashing a flurry of strokes once set. Ultimately he played a brilliant inning of 105 runs in 83 balls and was given a standing ovation by his teammates and spectators.
Virat Kohli continues his golden journey with two consecutive centuries
If Gaikwad’s century set the tone, Kohli ensured that India maintained complete command. Fresh from his 52nd ODI century in the series opener, Kohli continued his dream run by scoring his 53rd ODI century in Raipur.
Displaying timeless flow, impeccable placement and unwavering calmness, the former Indian skipper stitched a decisive partnership with Gaikwad to keep the South African bowlers under constant pressure. Kohli’s century heightened the excitement inside the stadium, turning the match into a celebration for Indian cricket fans.
Earlier in the day, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma Hoping to take advantage of the morning conditions, they won the toss and decided to bowl. The visitors made three changes – bringing Bavuma back with them Keshav Maharaj And lungi ngidiAll three were replaced Prenellan Subrayen, Ryan Rickelton And otniel bartman South Africa aims to bounce back from the defeat in the first ODI.
India opted for continuity and fielded the same eleven that had brought success in Ranchi. Interestingly, this match marks the 20th consecutive toss loss by India in ODIs, a sequence that surprised fans and analysts alike.
See also: IND vs SA During the second ODI, Virat Kohli illuminated Raipur by hitting a brilliant six.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Congratulations for your first ODI century, @Ruutu1331,
first of many. pic.twitter.com/Afs1vx2Oep
– Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) 3 December 2025
To score a century at a venue where he has never batted shows the kind of ability this man has. Top 💯 By Ruturaj Gaikwad 👏 pic.twitter.com/3wcQAPSw67
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s first ODI century.#indvssa #ViratKohli #RohitSharma #शुभमंगिल #IndianArmy #COTI #RishabhPant #JaspreetBumrah #dhoni #ruturajgaikwad pic.twitter.com/Fa7oGwJ2tj
– Indian Army (@theIndianArmy) 3 December 2025
what a comeback, @Ruutu1331 He returned to the Indian team after a long gap by scoring a brilliant 100 against South Africa in Raipur. A brilliant display of timing, flair and pure class. He is indeed emerging as one of India’s most promising young talents.@bcci, pic.twitter.com/6FuIhHEv0O
– Om Prakash Bakoria (@ombakoria) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s first ODI century. Only in the team due to Gill being injured, but we will definitely see him in the playing eleven more often
– Cricketwala (@cricketwala) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s first ODI century.#INDvSA #ruturajgaikwad #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/ybv6b60uDQ
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 3 December 2025
very nice, @Ruutu1331
Now no one will question your abilities 🥱 pic.twitter.com/gBmzbsgvb4
– Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) 3 December 2025
To all who loved him, 🫂
Who stopped, who supported, who stood honest,🥹
This century is your long awaited cheer,🥳
Rutu returns. That spark has now become fire.#whistlepoddu #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/PmxzpwFtHU– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 3 December 2025
Standing greeting from the crowd..
A memorable innings..
Wonderful, absolutely wonderful..
very nice, @Ruutu1331, pic.twitter.com/vjjWhI3F49– 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑳𝑨 (@vidyadhar_r) 3 December 2025
First ODI century and
: @bcci
[Ruturaj Gaikwad | IND vs SA | Play With Fire] pic.twitter.com/PgX33lwXPF
– Sunrisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) 3 December 2025
First ODI century!
This special knock of Ruturaj Gaikwad!
Update ▶️ https://t.co/oBs0Ns6SqR#TeamIndia , #INDvSA , @IDFCFIRSTBANK pic.twitter.com/cnIhlR5JgE
– BCCI (@BCCI) 3 December 2025
Virat Kohli celebrates after Ruturaj Gaikwad completes his century. pic.twitter.com/qcb2prIXaA
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 3 December 2025
100 for Ruturaj Gaikwad pic.twitter.com/IGVJh784DU
– Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad very much deserves a century. pic.twitter.com/2FbbEI1nRW
– sarcastic (@sarcastic_us) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad is here for the haters ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IIIM39Zr6A
– Homey (@homelander_yyy) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s first ODI century 😭😭🔥🔥
love you brother @Ruutu1331
pic.twitter.com/5JcDPpQDX7—` (@WorshipDhoni) 3 December 2025
That’s what the game offers to those who are committed to it.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored a lot of runs at the domestic level. His lack of luck led him to face one of the greatest times in Indian cricket.
But, he continued on with it. this is his moment @Ruutu1331 taste it 💙💙 pic.twitter.com/qrCsqSuNiq
– Arcith (@InswinginMenace) 3 December 2025
– ignored many times
– So much politics against him
– Performed consistently at domestic level
– Impressed the selectors with his consistent performance
– Returned after scoring a centuryThis is Ruturaj Gaikwad Rajkumar 🤴🔥🙌. pic.twitter.com/UzWljDMedg
– Baba Tillu 🤖 (@GovindJoshi45) 3 December 2025
Pratibha is patient.
Ruturaj Gaikwad waited 803 days, stayed calm, worked hard and today scored his first ODI 100.
Simple lesson: keep showing up. Great people always do this. #ruturajgaikwad pic.twitter.com/IuTdn03h49
– CricBharat (@DilPrabhat88) 3 December 2025
The future is in safe hands. Ruturaj Gaikwad is here to stay. pic.twitter.com/lmpYgJCGNt
– Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) 3 December 2025
Rituraj Gaikwad 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bETHfdgQ17
– Out of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad since his return 👇
-Scored 100 runs in Buchi Babu Trophy
Duleep Trophy SF -200 runs in
-298 runs in Ranji Trophy (4 matches)
-210 runs in ODI series vs South Africa (3 matches)
– Scored 100 runs against South Africa
The returning king. pic.twitter.com/joaEHz9Cea
– Ajay Pawanwadi 🐆 (@BeerKing699) 3 December 2025
Kohli celebrated Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century more than Gaikwad himself 🤍😭 pic.twitter.com/7SY3XJkpUC
-` (@chixxsays) 3 December 2025
When Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad are at the crease, the beauty of batting from both ends is worth seeing. pic.twitter.com/CDkSgJJ5Gp
– Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad for the haters pic.twitter.com/3Yh2yQYnHf
– Sagar (@sagarcasm) 3 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad 💯 pic.twitter.com/n0jR5kIGtx
– DXP (@drivexpull) 3 December 2025
Well played Ruturaj Gaikwad 👏#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/mTSh2oC9Nx
– 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) 3 December 2025
What a moment! A special innings to score the first century in ODI @Ruutu1331, pic.twitter.com/N1BH5ZfJaM
– KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) 3 December 2025
hard whip batting @Ruutu1331 @imVkohli
– Sunandan Lele (@sunandanlele) 3 December 2025
Brough has achieved his best form in international cricket
Thank you @Ruutu1331 pic.twitter.com/pWDpHygKOs
– Kunal Bishwal 🇦🇷💙❤️ (@KunalBishwal07) 3 December 2025
There is no doubt about Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ability, but what stands out is that (a) he has made 100 (b) batting outside his normal position on the day it matters. @Ruutu1331 #INDVSSAODI
– Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) 3 December 2025
Secret of the season🚩
Well done captain🫡Gil Golli is all useless in the hands of Rituraj 👍🏻@Ruutu1331
– Deepanshu Singh (@iSinghDeepanshu) 3 December 2025
well played friend @Ruutu1331
I would love to see you on the 2027 team#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/SDWNiSMZHE– мυкᴮєсн ᴼⁿᵉᵃᵈᴴᵃᵇᶦᵗ (@Being__Mukesh) 3 December 2025
Also read: IND vs SA: KL Rahul gives funny reaction after India loses 20th consecutive toss in ODI
