In an exciting match of Elite Group C Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 On January 8, 2026, at the Dr. Soni Stadium in Jaipur, Maharashtra chose to bat first against Goa. Ruturaj GaikwadThe Maharashtra captain played a brilliant inning of 134 unbeaten runs in 131 balls with the help of eight fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 102.29. Hailing his innings as a masterclass amid the initial collapse, fans went into frenzy online.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s record-breaking century against Goa in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Gaikwad single-handedly turned the tide and scored an unbeaten 134 to take Maharashtra to 249/7 in 50 overs. Facing an uncertain 2/3 after getting out early Prithvi Shaw (1), Arshin Kulkarni (0), and Ankit Bawne (0), Gaikwad rebuilds with patience, reaches his century in style. His aggressive shot-making, including high cover and powerful pulls, silenced the Goa bowlers Vasuki Kaushik (3/38), who struck early.
This innings marked Gaikwad’s latest Vijay Hazare Ratna, building on his past domestic form where he has scored the joint-highest number of centuries, including his first double century, in the tournament. As the clip of his sixes went viral, social media erupted with “GOAT” chants, underscoring his evolution from IPL star to List A powerhouse. All credit for the battle of Maharashtra was given to his patience under pressure
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 134* (131) in Vijay Hazare Trophy.
– At one time Maharashtra’s score was 52/6, then the captain came forward.
Despite playing such important innings, Rutu would be ignored by the selectors. pic.twitter.com/Wj2RZto3U3
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 8 January 2026
Tough Track Bully – Ruturaj Gaikwad 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/6ceQKnEZOg
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 8 January 2026
If anyone asks who Rituraj Gaikwad is, then show them this picture. pic.twitter.com/D2kvbynwjH
– Sergio (@SergioCSKK) 8 January 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad performed brilliantly against Goa, scoring unbeaten 134 runs in just 131 balls.#ruturajgaikwad #VijayJaareTrophy pic.twitter.com/EAdcTfEzSE
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 8 January 2026
Meet Ruturaj Gaikwad:
– Can bat as an opener
– Can bat on number. 4
– can become an anchor
-Can be accelerated if needed
-Bats like Rohit Sharma in death overs
-Always perform on difficult pitches
– No flat track scoundrel pic.twitter.com/b3MbAQyzt1– Yash MSdian™️ 🦁 (@itzyash07) 8 January 2026
🚨Fastest to reach 5K List A run :-
95* Innings – Ruturaj Gaikwad.
97- Babar Azam.
101- Hasim Amla.
114 – Sir Viv Richards.
114-Virat Kohli.
114-Shy Hope.
115 – David Warner.Prince of World Cricket – Ruturaj. pic.twitter.com/2ZQmxrqAxQ
– Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) 8 January 2026
Not a single player in the top 6 could score even 10 runs and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored unbeaten 134 runs, this is what Ruturaj Gaikwad is doing in List A cricket!!
Now averaging above 57 at a 100+ strike rate, he has proven himself as an opener as well as a middle-order batsman.
Should be… pic.twitter.com/Mxy2WdP5qy
– Rajeev (@Rajeev1841) 8 January 2026
100 for Ruturaj Gaikwad. Scored 106* runs in 124 balls at a strike rate of 85 while the entire team scored only 208 runs. Came in at number 5 and made two good partnerships with the number 8 and 9 batsmen and put up a good score on the board. Difficult situation threatening. pic.twitter.com/2amcdwCX7u
– Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) 8 January 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad in VHT 2025-26 (so far):
7 innings
335* runs
67* average
106 strike rateThe uncrowned king of List A cricket.pic.twitter.com/Nhk5JZigJp
– Srijan (@LegendDhonii) 8 January 2026
🚨 Ruturaj has reached the fastest 5K List A run, leaving behind players like Kohli, Sir Viv Richards, Babar, Amla, Hope, Warner.
It is India’s loss that this guy is not a regular in the national team.pic.twitter.com/jjtIkEuUVo
– Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) 8 January 2026
Maharashtra made a struggling score in the first innings
Despite losing early, Maharashtra fought back to score 249/7, with Gaikwad’s unbeaten 134 keeping the innings afloat and providing solid support. Vicky OstwalDhairya’s 53 runs, scored on 82 balls. Rajvardhan Hungergekar Adding a sharp finish, scoring 32* off just 19 balls, increasing the pace to 4.98 per over. The decisive stand was a 96-run partnership for the seventh wicket, before Ostwal was out at the end of the 42nd over at 158/7.
The innings had a disappointing start, losing 16, 25 and 52 before wickets fell at 1-2, 2-2 and 3-2. Maharashtra also benefited from seven extras, which included two no-balls and five wides. Goa’s attack worked hard Arjun Tendulkar, Deepraj Gaonkar, philosophy example And Lalit Yadav The damage was shared, but Gaikwad remained unmoved. Goa had to face a tough challenge at half-time.