Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwaid recently came under scrutiny for CSK’s loss against Rajasthan Royals (RR) which marked the team’s second consecutive loss in this Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 28-year-old had big shoes to fill after legendary cricketer and former Indian team skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down from the role of CSK’s captaincy in 2024. Gaikwad’s patience, skills and resilience will now be tested more than ever as he steers CSK through a shaky start.
Born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra, Ruturaj’s love for cricket led him to join the Vengsarkar Cricket Academy at the age of 11. He further honed his skills on the ground which eventually led to him representing the Maharashtra team in U14 and U16 teams. Gaikwad finished as the third highest run scorer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament held in 2016-17, which gave him national recognition. His consistent performances in domestic cricket got him the ticket to the IPL where he debuted as opening batter for CSK in 2020.
Another breakthrough came for Gaikwad when he scored 635 runs in the IPL, which earned him the Orange Cap in 2021. His performance as the highest run scorer played a crucial role in CSK’s title-winning campaign. He scored his first IPL century on October 2, 2021 playing an unbeaten innings of 101 runs against RR. Gaikwad currently has scored 2,443 runs in the IPL after playing 67 matches with an average of 41.65, which also includes two centuries and 19 half centuries. Furthermore, he scored 108 runs, the highest record of the batter in the IPL against Lucknow Super Giants in 2024.
In 2024, MS Dhoni handed the reins over to Rauturaj Gaikwad after he quit CSK’s captaincy. During the IPL 2024 season, CSK secured the fifth place on the points table under Gaikwad’s leadership. Giakwad scored 583 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53.00, displaying his valour as a captain. Gaikwad made his international debut for team India on July 28, 2021, against Sri Lanka, followed by his ODI debut on October 6, 2022, against South Africa.
