Ruturaj Gaikwad once again underlined his class and consistency with a record-breaking century in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, sending a strong message to the Indian selectors after his omission from the ODI squad for the New Zealand series. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ruturaj Gaikwad record century helped the Maharashtra captain produce a magnificent unbeaten 134, guiding his side to a thrilling five-run victory over Goa in their Elite Group C clash at the Dr Soni Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday, January 8, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coming in at a precarious position with Maharashtra struggling early, Gaikwad showcased remarkable composure and counterattacking intent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walking in at number five with the score reading 2 for 3 in just the second over, the right-hander anchored the innings superbly while launching timely assaults on the bowlers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
His 134 not out came off 131 deliveries and featured eight boundaries and six towering sixes, highlighting both patience and power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This innings marked Gaikwad\u2019s second century of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, following his earlier knock of 124 against Uttarakhand in December. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
More significantly, it was his 15th century in the tournament, equalling the long-standing record held by his Maharashtra teammate Ankit Bawne for the most centuries in India\u2019s premier domestic one-day competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What makes Gaikwad\u2019s achievement even more remarkable is that he reached the milestone in just 59 matches, compared to Bawne\u2019s 101 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gaikwad has been one of the standout performers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy over the years, amassing 3,336 runs at an impressive average of 65.41 and a strike rate exceeding 105. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In List A cricket overall, the 28-year-old has scored 5,060 runs in 99 matches, including 20 centuries and 19 fifties, underlining his credentials as a dependable top-order batter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Against Goa, Gaikwad stitched together crucial partnerships to rescue Maharashtra from collapse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added 106 runs for the seventh wicket with Vicky Ostwal, who contributed a valuable 53, before unleashing an explosive 91-run stand with Rajvardhan Hangargekar, who chipped in with a quickfire 32 not out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their efforts helped Maharashtra post a competitive total of 249 for 7 in 50 overs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The knock carried added significance as it came just days after Gaikwad was overlooked for India\u2019s ODI squad, with Shreyas Iyer preferred following his return to fitness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gaikwad had last featured for India during the ODI series against South Africa, where he made a strong impression with a superb 105 off 83 balls in Raipur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His latest Vijay Hazare masterclass serves as a timely reminder of his form, hunger, and readiness for international cricket, keeping him firmly in contention for an ODI recall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n