One student scoring 98% while the rest of the class fails
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper of Maharashtra, showcased his exceptional talent in the final round of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage against Goa on January 8. Despite being excluded from the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, Gaikwad silenced his critics with a magnificent unbeaten century. Batting on a challenging Jaipur wicket, Gaikwad scored a brilliant 134* off 131 deliveries after Maharashtra found themselves struggling at 2/3 in the second over.
The right-hander displayed immense composure and skill, hitting eight boundaries and six sixes during his innings. Gaikwad’s heroic performance helped Maharashtra recover from the early setback and post a competitive total of 249/7 in their allotted 50 overs. This century marked Gaikwad’s second hundred of the tournament, taking his total runs tally to 413 at an impressive average of 82.60 and a strike rate exceeding 115 in seven matches.
Fans took to social media to applaud Gaikwad’s exceptional knock, expressing their admiration for his resilience and talent. Despite his stellar performances, Gaikwad was overlooked for the Indian ODI squad, sparking criticism from former India captain Kris Srikkanth. Srikkanth voiced his disapproval of the management’s decision to drop Gaikwad, especially after his recent century against South Africa in the ODI series.
Srikkanth emphasized the unfairness of disregarding Gaikwad’s performance and talents, highlighting the short memory of selectors and the public. He criticized the exclusion of Gaikwad from the squad, stating that it removes him from the overall system and diminishes his chances of future selection. With the India-New Zealand ODI series set to commence on January 11, Gaikwad’s absence from the squad has raised questions about the selection process and the recognition of deserving players.
In conclusion, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exceptional century against Goa and consistent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have solidified his reputation as a talented cricketer. Despite facing setbacks in team selection, Gaikwad’s resilience and skill on the field continue to impress fans and experts alike. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Gaikwad to showcase his abilities and stake his claim for a spot in the national team.
