Xtra Time Web Desk: Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is going through the form of his life. The 24-year-old batter on Saturday scored his third consecutive hundred in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. Ruturaj scored 124 from 129 balls, smashing 9 boundaries and 3 sixes as Maharashtra posted 291/8 in 50 overs against Kerala. He has scored an unbelievable 414 runs from three matches in the ongoing 50 over tournament. The form he is in at the moment, it will be difficult for the national selectors to leave him out for the ODI series against South Africa.
Gaikwad had scores of 136 (112) against Madhya Pradesh and 154 not out (143) versus Chhattisgarh in previous two matches. In addition to his batting performances, he has been successfully leading his state team. As skipper, he has led Maharashtra to two wins in the two matches.
There is no denying that the prolific batter is passing through a golden phase of his life. The opening batsman was retained by his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings for a whopping price of six crores ahead of next year’s mega auction. Besides, Gaikwad was the highest run-getter in IPL 2021 with a tally of 635 runs. He was also the youngest player to clinch the orange cap.