Duleep Trophy semifinals: Ruturaj Gaikwad scores crucial ton for West Zone, sends strong message to selectors

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s resurgence with the bat has come at just the right time, with the batter reminding both fans and selectors of his ability after a difficult few months. The 28-year-old, who was forced to cut short his 2025 IPL campaign earlier this year due to injury and later overlooked for India A duty, has steadily rebuilt form on the domestic circuit.

His turnaround began late in August when he struck a fiery hundred for Maharashtra in the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament. That innings came as a relief after a string of low scores, including 1 and 11 in Maharashtra’s opening loss to Chhattisgarh.

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Gaikwad’s revival gathered further momentum in the Duleep Trophy semi-final, where he led West Zone first innings against Central Zone in Bengaluru. Walking in at No.

4 with his side in a precarious spot at 10 for 2, the CSK captain displayed remarkable composure. By tea, he had reached an unbeaten 121 from 157 balls, featuring 16 boundaries. His commanding knock not only pulled West Zone’s innings from a low spot but also showed his readiness to return to the highest level.

Having been sidelined through injury and missing opportunities at India A, the opener has turned setbacks into motivation. Consecutive centuries in two prestigious tournaments - the Buchi Babu Invitational and now the Duleep Trophy, have reignited belief in his ability to perform under pressure. In the other game of the Duleep Trophy semis, South Zone have crossed the 200-run mark in the second session at the loss of just one wicket after North Zone opted to bowl first.