(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 26-year-old India opener, etched his name in cricket history during the fourth T20I against Australia in Raipur. Gaikwad’s swift innings of 32 off 28 balls not only contributed to the team’s total but also propelled him to become the fastest Indian batter to surpass 4000 runs in the T20 format, surpassing the previous best held by KL Rahul.
His remarkable achievement encompasses runs accumulated not only in international and domestic cricket but also in the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL), where he showcased his prowess for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Gaikwad achieved this remarkable feat in just 116 innings, outpacing the likes of KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Rishabh Pant, who achieved the milestone in 117, 138, 143 and 147 innings respectively.
In the ongoing series versus Australia, Gaikwad has been in exceptional form, amassing 213 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 71 and a striking strike-rate of 166.40. This includes a memorable century in the third T20I, where he scored 123 runs off 57 balls. Despite his stellar performance, Australia emerged victorious in that match, keeping the five-match series alive.
Gaikwad’s brilliance extends beyond the current series, as he showcased his mettle during the last IPL season. The dynamic opener played a pivotal role in CSK’s triumph in 2023, accumulating 590 runs in 15 innings with an average of 42.14. His contributions were instrumental in securing the franchise’s fifth IPL title.
Having made his T20I debut for India in 2021, Gaikwad has encountered limited opportunities to exhibit his talent. However, in 16 T20I innings so far, he has amassed 490 runs at an average of 37.69 and a strike-rate of 142.02, showcasing his potential as a promising batter for the Indian cricket team.