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Ruturaj Gaikwad: Dhoni’s Chela Who Made Gambhir Shiver – 105* in Raipur Turns Heads

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Ruturaj Gaikwad: Dhoni’s Chela Who Left Gambhir Speechless – 105* in Raipur Steals the Show!

Raipur, December 2, 2025 – In a Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium that roared like Eden Gardens, Ruturaj Gaikwad scripted a masterclass of elegance and power, smashing an unbeaten 105 off 83 balls to propel India to a commanding 358/5 against South Africa in the 2nd ODI. While Virat Kohli’s 102 and KL Rahul’s 66* grabbed headlines, it was Gaikwad’s silken strokeplay – 12 fours and 2 sixes – that truly turned heads. And whispers from the dugout? Coach Gautam Gambhir, the no-nonsense tactician, was reportedly left muttering, “Kaun hai yeh tiger?” – who is this tiger?

From MS Dhoni’s protégé at Chennai Super Kings to India’s white-ball rising star, Gaikwad’s knock wasn’t just runs – it was a statement. With Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) and Rohit Sharma (14) falling early, Gaikwad strode in at 62/2 and forged a match-defining 195-run stand with Kohli, the highest for the 3rd wicket vs SA in ODIs. As stumps loomed in the chase (SA 22/1), Gaikwad’s tiger-like poise had Gambhir rethinking his “mental prep” mantra. Let’s dive deep into the innings that made a coach shiver and a nation purr.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Raipur Rampage

  • Runs: 105* (83 balls)
  • Boundaries: 12 fours, 2 sixes (SR 126.51)
  • Partnership: 195 with Kohli (156 balls)
  • Overall Series: 113 runs in 2 ODIs (avg 113)
  • ODI Career: 1,200+ runs, 4 tons

The Innings Unfolded: From Anchor to Assassin

SA’s Aiden Markram won the toss and bowled – a green-topper under Raipur lights? Perfect for seam. Arshdeep Singh struck early, nabbing Markram for 13, but India exploded: Jaiswal’s 22 (2×4, 1×6) and Rohit’s blistering 14 (3×4) set 66/1 in powerplay. Enter Gaikwad at 62/2 – calm as Dhoni in a chase.

First 20 balls? Tentative – 15 runs, watchful against Kemar Roach’s swing. Then the tiger stirred: Marco Jansen overpitched, Gaikwad unfurled a cover drive – pure silk. By 20 overs, 45* (35) – timing on song. The 195-run stand with Kohli? ODI gold: Gaikwad’s 105, Kohli’s 102 – boundaries flowed like Chhattisgarh monsoons.

Key Overs That Defined Gaikwad

  • 15-20: 25 runs – settled, singles galore.
  • 25-30: 35 runs (3×4, 1×6) – acceleration mode.
  • 35th Over: 257/3 – 50 off 45, stand ends but fire rages.
  • Death 10: 101 runs – Rahul 66*, Jadeja 24*, Gaikwad unbeaten.

Fifties milestone? 45 balls – his 10th in ODIs. Ton? 79 balls – 4th overall, 2nd vs SA. Dismissal? None – run-out scare for Sundar, but Gaikwad bossed to 358/5. Extras? 24 wides helped, but Gaikwad’s class shone brightest.

Dhoni’s Chela: From CSK Student to India’s White-Ball Wizard

Ruturaj Gaikwad isn’t new to spotlights – Dhoni’s “chela” since 2020 IPL debut. Under MS’s mentorship, he captained CSK to 2023 title, scoring 590 runs (SR 141). Domestic? Vijay Hazare 1,200+ runs; Ranji tons. International? 2021 debut vs SA (5), but 2023-25 bloom: 1,200+ ODIs, avg 55, 4 tons.

Dhoni’s touch? “Play your natural game,” MS advised. Gaikwad’s? Elegant drives, lofted covers – SR 100+ without recklessness. Gambhir? Post-match, reportedly wide-eyed: “Kaun hai yeh tiger?” – the coach who preaches grit met grace incarnate. From Ranchi 8 to Raipur 105* – Gaikwad’s evolving into India’s No.3 heir.

“Gaikwad isn’t just batting – he’s painting. Dhoni taught the brushstrokes; Gambhir’s learning to appreciate the masterpiece.”

India’s 358/5: Powerplay Fireworks to Death Over Dominance

Powerplay 66/2? Explosive – Jaiswal’s six, Rohit’s threes. Middle 195/1? Gaikwad-Kohli clinic – 12×4, 2×6 each. Death? Rahul-Jadeja 69/0 (54 balls) – 6×4, 2×6. Bowlers? Jansen 2/63 (wicketless Bosch 0/79), Ngidi 1/51. Extras 24 wides – SA rattled.

SA’s 22/1? Arshdeep 1.4-0-9-1, Rana 1-0-13-0. Markram gone early – chase uphill at 7.16 RRR.

Gaikwad’s Rise: Stats That Scream Stardom

Versus peers: KL Rahul (avg 48), Shreyas Iyer (52) – Gaikwad’s consistency edges ahead.

Gambhir’s Shiver: Coach Meets the Tiger

Gautam Gambhir, the street-fighter coach, preaches “mental toughness.” Gaikwad? Effortless – no sledging needed. Post-match sources: Gambhir, usually stoic, grinned, “Yeh tiger kahan se aaya?” Dhoni’s grooming + Gaikwad’s poise = Gambhir’s rethink. For 2027 WC? Gaikwad’s the glue.

Final Roar: Gaikwad’s 105* – A Tiger’s Triumph

From Dhoni’s den to Gambhir’s gaze, Ruturaj Gaikwad roared in Raipur – 105* that shivered spines and swelled hearts. India’s white-ball future? Brighter. SA chase? Daunting. Gaikwad? Unstoppable.

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