After ODI squad snub, Ruturaj Gaikwad equals Vijay Hazare Trophy record with 15th century

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed his 15th century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, equalling the record in just 59 innings. (PTI Photo)

Ruturaj Gaikwad continued his prolific 50-overs run-scoring form as he smashed his 20th List A century on Thursday to equal the all-time Vijay Hazare Trophy record during Maharashtra’s final league stage match against Goa.

Already out of contention for making it to the knockouts, Maharashtra suffered a horrendous collapse, losing three wickets for just two runs. Batting at number five, Gaikwad then waged a lone battle as he anchored the side to a competitive 249 for seven in 50 overs with his stoic century. Gaikwad finished unbeaten on 134 off 131 deliveries as he rapidly unfurled his shots. He eventually tallied eight fours and six sixes while bring up his second century of the league stage, having previously struck a century against Uttarkhand.

Gaikwad thereby equalled the all-time VHT record for the most hundreds in the tournament in only 59 innings. His senior teammate Ankeet Bawane has also struck 15 centuries across 94 innings. Gaikwad’s imperious record in List A has also seen him carve his 20th century in the format in only 95 innings, making him the quickest to reach the landmark. The 28-year-old also crossed 5000 List A runs in record time during the innings.

Remaining unbeaten in the innings, Gaikwad’s List A average soared to 58.83, making it the highest in the world among all players who have batted in at least 50 innings, surpassing Australia legend Michael Bevan’s career mark at 57.86.

Last month, Gaikwad cracked his maiden ODI century for India in Raipur while batting at No. 4. However, the Chennai Super Kings captain was not included in the 15-member side to take on New Zealand in the upcoming three-match series, starting January 11 in Baroda. With vice-captain Shreyas Iyer regaining fitness, Gaikwad was overlooked for the squad with several experts lamenting the call.

“Could Gaikwad have been kept in the squad? I think that was a real possibility. The only spot of contention is between Pant and Gaikwad. It was a straight decision. Shreyas Iyer deserved to come back after the injury, so no discussion there. It is his rightful position. The debate is over who goes out. Between a second wicketkeeper and a batter, you can get a keeper from anywhere to cover,” India spin legend R Ashwin had said on his YouTube channel.

“Who will keep a track on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s mindset now? At four or five, I am sticking my neck out, his batting against spin and ability to run between wickets and close out an innings is phenomenal. I personally don’t think Pant can bat in the middle-order in white-ball cricket at the moment,” he added.