Out-of-Fower India Batter Ruturaj Gikwad played a commanding innings for West Zone on the early day of the Duleep Trophy semi-final against the Central Zone. The right -handed batsman anchored the team, while Indian batsmen Yashsvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer fought to make an impact.
Ruturaj came to the crease when the West Zone fell on the first day of the semi -final (Thursday, 3 September) at 10/2 at 10/2. The batsman displayed his skill and composition on a challenging pitch. He added an 82 -run partnership with Aria Desai for the third wicket. Ruturaj also added a 45 -run stand with Shreyas Iyer.
Ruturaj Gikwad smashed century to save the West Zone from collapse
Ruturaj Gikwad was a standout artist for West Zone on the inauguration day. While other batsmen fought, Gaikwad anchored the innings, scored his eighth first -class century off 131 balls. He remained unbeaten on 121 in tea breaks, helping West Zone reach 237/5 in 58 overs.
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The right -handed batsman made a significant partnership to stabilize the innings. Tanush Kotian also contributed fifty, ensuring that the team remained in a competitive position.
Gaikwad took the Central Zone bowlers with Aplomb. He was reduced to a double hundred, stumped from Saranash Jain for 184. His knock effectively saved the West Zone and put him on top. This performance can also strengthen their possibilities of returning to the national team.
2 consecutive red ball tones for Ruturaj Gikwad
Ruturaj Gikwad has been in the form of impressive red ball. He created his second consecutive first class century. Gaikwad made a ton for Maharashtra in the Buchi Babu Trophy last month.
The young batsman performed his skills after a continuous return from the elbow injury during IPL 2026, which sidelined him after six matches.
Prior to this match, Gikwad scored 2,632 runs in 38 first -class games at an average of 41.77, with the highest score of 195. The Chennai Super Kings captain last represented India in July 2024 and is yet to play Test cricket.
Ruturaj Gikwad’s strong form put him in controversy for a long -awaited Test debut
After recovering from his injury, Ruturaj Gikwad was selected for a squad for India to visit England, but he did not get any game.
The 28 -year -old batsman was also scheduled to join Yorkshire for his county championship match against Surrey on July 22 at the North Marine Road Ground in Scarborough, but withdrew at the last moment for personal reasons.
India can make a long -awaited start in the format of Gaikwad, with the preparation of a home test series against the West Indies next month. He received his first Test call-up in 2023 for the first West Indies series.
In limited overs, Gaikwad has played six ODIs and 23 T20Is for India and has led the national team for the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.
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