In a thrilling start to the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season, Maharashtra’s Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased his class with a stunning innings that might already be one of the best knocks of the season. Batting on a challenging seam-friendly wicket in Thiruvananthapuram, Gaikwad’s resilient 91-run performance single-handedly dragged his team out of a dire situation.
Maharashtra in Crisis: 5/4 to 18/5
Sent in to bat, Maharashtra’s top order collapsed in a dramatic fashion, leaving the team in utter disarray at 5/4. To make matters worse, they lost another wicket shortly after, sinking to a disastrous 18/5. With four of the top five batsmen dismissed for ducks, it seemed like a nightmare scenario. At this stage, most would have expected a quick end to their innings, but Gaikwad had other plans.
Gaikwad and Saxena’s Heroic Partnership
Ruturaj Gaikwad rose to the occasion, playing a remarkable knock under intense pressure. His 91 runs off 151 balls were a display of skill and determination, as he blasted 11 boundaries, anchoring the innings when everything seemed lost. With a century within reach, Gaikwad was eventually dismissed, trapped LBW by Kerala’s Eden Apple Tom.
Gaikwad’s brilliance was complemented by Jalaj Saxena, the experienced all-rounder who recently moved from Kerala to Maharashtra. Saxena, batting at No. 7, played a vital supporting role with a gritty 49 runs. The pair added a crucial 122-run partnership, lifting Maharashtra’s total to a respectable 164/7 before Gaikwad’s departure.
A Crucial Season for Gaikwad Ahead of IPL and India Ambitions
This knock is especially significant for Gaikwad, who has yet to secure a place in the Indian team across any format. As the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gaikwad’s performance in this Ranji season is more important than ever as he looks to prove his credentials for higher honors. His fightback with the bat against Kerala serves as an early statement of intent in what promises to be a crucial domestic season for him.
The 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season has already witnessed a memorable moment, and Gaikwad’s rescue act may just be the first of many standout performances. For Maharashtra, this was a rare display of resilience, and for Gaikwad, it’s the kind of innings that could define his career and aspirations on the national stage.
