Buchi Babu tournament: Ruturaj Gaikwad scores fiery ton, sends strong message to selectors

Ruturaj Gaikwad returned to form with a commanding hundred for Maharashtra in the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, ending a lean patch that had stretched across months. The India batter, who last featured for the national side over a year ago, had struggled in his early outings in the competition, scoring just 1 and 11 in Maharashtra’s opening-round defeat against Chhattisgarh. He also missed the second fixture against TNCA President’s XI. Back in the side for the third-round clash against Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, Gaikwad made his presence felt. Put in to bat after winning the toss, Maharashtra lost Siddhesh Veer for 22 before Gaikwad joined forces with opener Arshin Kulkarni. The pair absorbed the early pressure and went on to compile a 220-run stand that shifted the momentum. Gaikwad’s innings was a mix of composure and aggression. He brought up his century in 122 balls and then cut loose, striking four sixes in one over. His knock eventually ended on 133 from 144 deliveries, decorated with 10 boundaries and four maximums. Kulkarni matched him stroke for stroke, registering an impressive 146 before his dismissal. The hundred comes as a much-needed boost for Gaikwad, whose 2025 campaign has been blighted by setbacks. An injury curtailed his IPL season earlier this year, and though he was selected in the India A squad for the tour of England, he did not feature in either of the unofficial Tests. Gaikwad had also signed up for a stint with Yorkshire in the County Championship, but the deal was cut short as he returned to India due to personal reasons. For now, the Buchi Babu Invitational century marks a timely return to form as Maharashtra prepare for the domestic season ahead, and Gaikwad looks to reignite his bid for a place in India’s plans.