On December 3, 2025, Ruturaj Dashrat Gaikwad didn’t just play a match—he rewrote the script. Batting at number four in place of the injured Shreyas Iyer, the 28-year-old Chennai Super Kings captain smashed his first ODI century in just 77 balls, turning a quiet Raipur crowd into a roaring inferno. The innings, laced with 12 fours and two towering sixes, didn’t just rescue India’s innings—it redefined what’s possible when a player is given freedom, faith, and a little room to breathe. And it happened at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, a venue that’s rarely seen such a storm of timing and temperament.
From Silence to Storm: Gaikwad’s Remarkable Turnaround
Just three days earlier, Gaikwad had scraped together 8 runs in the first ODI in Ranchi. Critics whispered about his form, his place, even his fitness. But here’s the thing—cricket isn’t about consistency alone. It’s about what you do when the pressure spikes. And Gaikwad, who’d been dropped after the 2023 World Cup and only recalled in November 2025 for this home series, responded like a man who’d been waiting for this moment his entire career.
He started cautiously. Fifty in 52 balls. Not flashy. Not frantic. Then, like a switch flipped, he accelerated. The next fifty? Just 25 balls. The crowd didn’t just cheer—they stood, screamed, and held their breath. His assault on left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was surgical: 16 runs in one over, a brutal reminder that even the best can be dismantled when the batter’s in rhythm.
The Record-Breaking Partnership
But Gaikwad didn’t do it alone. Enter Virat Kohli. The former captain, back in form after a quiet start to the series, joined him at the crease and turned the innings into a masterclass in synergy. Their 195-run stand wasn’t just big—it was historic. It surpassed the previous India-South Africa ODI record of 194, set by Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik back in 2010. For context: that was the golden era of Indian batting. Now, Gaikwad and Kohli had etched their names right beside them.
South Africa, who’d won the toss and elected to field, looked shell-shocked. Captain Temba Bavuma had made three changes—bringing in Ngidi, Maharaj, and himself—but none of them could contain the tide. The pitch wasn’t easy, but Gaikwad made it look like a net session.
Why This Matters: The Middle-Order Question Answered
India’s biggest ODI headache since the World Cup? The No. 4 slot. After Iyer’s injury, the team had cycled through five players in 18 months. None stuck. Until now.
“This isn’t just a century,” said Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, after the match. “It’s a statement. We didn’t just pick him because he was available. We picked him because he’s the one who can handle the weight.”
And the numbers back him up. With this knock, Gaikwad now owns the highest List A batting average in the world: 58.02. He’s passed Michael Bevan’s legendary 57.86. That’s not a fluke. That’s elite. And for a player who hadn’t played an ODI in over a year, it’s nothing short of astonishing.
Coach Gambhir’s Bold Gamble
Many thought Gambhir’s decision to shift Gaikwad from opener to No. 4 was risky. After all, he’d thrived as a top-order anchor in the IPL. But Gambhir saw something deeper: Gaikwad’s ability to read spin, his calm under pressure, his knack for rotating strike. “He doesn’t need a perfect start,” Gambhir told India Today. “He needs a plan. And he executed it perfectly.”
Analysts are already calling it a turning point. Cricxtasy noted: “India’s questions about the middle order? They’re answered—for now.” Cricket Times added: “Pushing him out of his comfort zone was the smartest move this team has made in 18 months.”
What’s Next: The Final ODI and Beyond
With India now leading the three-match series 2-0, the final ODI in Hyderabad looms large. But the real story isn’t the series—it’s the future. Gaikwad’s performance has thrown the selectors into a new dilemma: Do they keep him at No. 4, or push him back to open? And what does this mean for Iyer’s return? Or for the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, who’s been hovering around the No. 4 spot?
One thing’s clear: Gaikwad isn’t just filling a gap anymore. He’s defining a role. And with his List A average now the highest in the world, he’s not just a player in the team—he’s becoming the team’s new cornerstone.
Behind the Scenes: A Comeback Built on Patience
It’s easy to forget that Gaikwad’s rise wasn’t linear. After a dazzling debut in 2022, he was dropped after a string of low scores. He spent months in the domestic circuit, refining his technique, working with coaches on his footwork against spin. He captained India to gold at the 2022 Asian Games—a quiet triumph, barely noticed by the national media.
His return in November 2025 wasn’t hailed as a homecoming. It was treated like a stopgap. But Gaikwad, ever quiet, ever focused, used that silence as fuel. He didn’t tweet. Didn’t do interviews. Just showed up, trained, and waited.
And when the moment came, he didn’t just show up—he exploded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century impact India’s ODI middle-order strategy?
Gaikwad’s 77-ball century at No. 4 has effectively solved India’s long-standing middle-order instability since the 2023 World Cup. With a List A average of 58.02—surpassing Michael Bevan’s record—he’s now the most reliable batter in that position. Coaches are likely to retain him there even after Shreyas Iyer’s return, potentially shifting Iyer to No. 5 or 6 to balance the lineup.
Why was Gaikwad batting at No. 4 instead of opener?
With regular opener Shubman Gill and middle-order anchor Shreyas Iyer both injured, India needed someone who could stabilize and accelerate. Gaikwad, despite being an opener in the IPL, was chosen for his composure against spin and ability to rotate strike—traits crucial in the middle overs. Coach Gautam Gambhir prioritized adaptability over tradition, and it paid off.
What makes Gaikwad’s List A average record significant?
A List A average of 58.02 makes Gaikwad the highest in the world, surpassing Michael Bevan’s 57.86—a benchmark held for over two decades. This isn’t just about one innings; it reflects consistency across formats. He’s now averaging over 55 in 15 List A matches since 2022, a feat matched only by elite finishers like AB de Villiers and Jos Buttler.
How did Virat Kohli contribute to Gaikwad’s success in this innings?
Kohli, who was also approaching his own century, provided calm authority and allowed Gaikwad to take the initiative. Their 195-run partnership was the highest in India-South Africa ODI history, easing pressure and giving Gaikwad the freedom to attack. Kohli’s presence didn’t just boost the score—it gave Gaikwad the psychological space to play without fear.
Is this Gaikwad’s breakthrough into the core ODI team?
Absolutely. After being dropped post-2023 World Cup and recalled only as a replacement, this century has cemented his place. With his average now higher than any active Indian batter and his adaptability proven, he’s likely to be a fixture in the ODI side through the 2027 World Cup cycle. Even if Iyer returns, Gaikwad’s role is now non-negotiable.
What does this mean for India’s upcoming matches and the 2027 World Cup?
India now has a reliable anchor at No. 4—something they’ve lacked since Rohit Sharma’s transition to opener. With Gaikwad’s ability to handle spin and accelerate in the middle overs, the team’s middle order becomes far more flexible. For the 2027 World Cup, this could mean a top-heavy lineup with Gaikwad, Kohli, and Suryakumar forming a formidable trio, capable of chasing any target under pressure.
Arlen Fitzpatrick
My name is Arlen Fitzpatrick, and I am a sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. I have spent years studying the intricacies of the game, both as a player and a coach. My expertise in sports has allowed me to analyze matches and predict outcomes with great accuracy. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love for soccer with others, providing insights and engaging stories about the beautiful game. My ultimate goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans, helping them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the sport.
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