In the high-stakes encounter between India and Australia in the third T20I at Guwahati, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased a masterful display of batting prowess, propelling India to a massive total.
As the five-match T20 series hung in the balance, the third T20I held particular significance for both teams. India, hoping to seal the series, faced a formidable Australian side eager to stage a comeback.
In a strategic move, India replaced Mukesh Kumar with pacer Avesh Khan, aiming to bolster the bowling attack. Additionally, Deepak Chahar was confirmed as the squad replacement for Mukesh, who took a break from his marriage.
The early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan left India at 24-2. However, a resilient partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Ruturaj Gaikwad resurrected the innings, laying the foundation for a significant total.
After Suryakumar’s departure in the 10th over, Ruturaj Gaikwad took charge, smashing a half-century in just 32 balls. This marked a crucial turning point in India’s innings. Gaikwad displayed remarkable acceleration in the death overs, shifting gears to unleash a flurry of boundaries. His aggressive approach added crucial runs to India’s total.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star etched his name in the annals of T20 cricket by completing a century in just 52 balls. This record-breaking feat made him the ninth Indian batter to achieve a T20I century. Ruturaj Gaikwad now stands alongside cricketing stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli in the exclusive club of century-makers for India in T20Is.
Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 123 off 57 balls, steering India to an imposing total of 222-3 in 20 overs. This knock ranks as the second-highest individual score for India in T20I cricket. Gaikwad’s century places him in elite company, with only a handful of Indian batters achieving this milestone. The 26-year-old opener’s century against Australia further solidifies his position as one of the emerging talents in international T20 cricket. Gaikwad’s century holds historical significance as he becomes the first Indian batter to slam a century against Australia in the shortest format.
