After months of speculation, MS Dhoni has finally addressed his future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Speaking at a private event earlier this week,
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is a stylish right-handed opening batter from India, widely admired for his timing, consistency, and calm demeanor at the crease. With solid technique and a hunger for runs, Gaikwad has emerged as a key figure in India’s T20 and ODI setups, while also being a crucial player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed has made him one of the most dependable young Indian batters across formats.
Quick Facts about Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Full Name: Ruturaj Dashrat Gaikwad
- Date of Birth: January 31, 1997
- Birthplace: Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Role: Opening Batter
- Teams: India, Maharashtra (Domestic), Chennai Super Kings (IPL), India A
- International Debut: 2021 (T20I), 2022 (ODI)
Domestic and Early Career
Ruturaj made his domestic debut for Maharashtra in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, and quickly rose through the ranks with consistent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
He was the leading run-scorer in the 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy, amassing 603 runs in just 5 matches, including 4 centuries. His consistent domestic form earned him a place in the Indian squad and the Chennai Super Kings lineup in the IPL.
International Career
Ruturaj Gaikwad made his T20I debut for India in July 2021 and his ODI debut in October 2022. He has featured in several bilateral series and played a pivotal role in India’s victories in white-ball cricket, particularly with his ability to build partnerships at the top.
In 2023, Gaikwad led India to gold in the Asian Games as captain of the men’s T20 team, adding leadership credentials to his growing resume.
Ruturaj Gaikwad International Stats (As of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | Best Score |
| ODI | 10 | 385 | 42.77 | 89.20 | 1/2 | 123* |
| T20I | 17 | 500+ | 35.71 | 139.85 | 1/4 | 112* |
His clean strokeplay and temperament make him a solid contender for India’s top-order in both formats.
IPL Career
Ruturaj Gaikwad became a household name in the IPL 2021 season, when he scored 635 runs and won the Orange Cap, helping Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lift their fourth IPL title. His ability to pace innings, play spinners confidently, and accelerate in the death overs stood out.
In subsequent seasons, Gaikwad continued to shine for CSK and became a vital part of their top order alongside Devon Conway. In IPL 2024, he was appointed vice-captain, signaling his long-term importance to the franchise.
IPL Stats (As of 2025)
| Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s/100s | Best Score |
| 2021 | 16 | 635 | 45.35 | 136.26 | 4/1 | 101* |
| 2022 | 14 | 368 | 26.28 | 126.46 | 3/0 | 73 |
| 2023 | 13 | 448 | 40.72 | 139.22 | 4/0 | 92 |
| Overall | 52+ | 1700+ | 38+ | 135+ | 10+ | 101* |
His consistency and ability to deliver in key moments have made him one of CSK’s most dependable batters in the post-Dhoni era.
Batting Style and Strengths
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s strengths lie in his technique and adaptability. He is known for:
- Elegant strokeplay and excellent timing
- Strong footwork against spinners
- Composed run-chase temperament
- Quick rotation of strike and acceleration when required
- Sharp cricketing acumen and leadership skills
He can shift gears effortlessly, making him an ideal top-order batter in all formats.
Achievements and Highlights
- Orange Cap winner – IPL 2021 (635 runs)
- Led India to gold in 2023 Asian Games (T20)
- Four centuries in five innings – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021
- Only CSK player after Raina to score 600+ runs in a season
- T20I century against Australia – 2023
- Vice-captain of CSK in IPL 2024
Future Outlook
Ruturaj Gaikwad is widely seen as a long-term investment for Indian cricket across ODIs and T20Is. His maturity, leadership qualities, and performance under pressure make him a strong candidate for future leadership roles in both franchise and national cricket.
As CSK transitions into a new era, Gaikwad is poised to be one of its flag-bearers while continuing to push for a regular spot in India’s top order.
Latest News and Updates on Ruturaj Gaikwad
Stay connected with TheCricketScores.com for the latest Ruturaj Gaikwad news, match highlights, IPL updates, injury reports, interviews, and domestic cricket performances. From CSK’s top-order success to India’s white-ball plans, follow Ruturaj’s journey here.