- Full Name: Ruturaj Dashrat Gaikwad
- Date of Birth: January 31, 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Cricketer
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break
- Role in Team: Batter
- Net Worth: 36 crore
Early Life and Education:
In Pune, Maharashtra, Ruturaj Gaikwad was born into a middle-class family and raised there. Dashrat Gaikwad, his father, was employed at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Savita Gaikwad, his mother, is a teacher. With parental encouragement, Ruturaj developed an early love for cricket and started playing the game at a young age.
He received expert coaching at Pune’s Vengsarkar Cricket Academy, where he began his official cricket training. Throughout his scholastic years, Ruturaj excelled in local competitions, demonstrating his talent and commitment. He balanced studies and athletics by finishing his schooling while following his aspirations to play cricket.
Cricket Career:
The domestic cricket circuit in Maharashtra was where Ruturaj Gaikwad got his start in the game. In 2016, he made his maiden appearance in first-class cricket, playing for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. His steady play in domestic cricket brought him prominence, especially in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) of the Indian Premier League (IPL) signed Ruturaj in 2019. Despite having a difficult start, he had a spectacular return in the 2020 season, displaying his superb stroke play and innings-ending skills. Both cricketing greats and fans praised him for his 2021 IPL efforts, which were crucial to CSK’s championship run.
His international debut was made possible by his exceptional IPL performances. In July 2021, Ruturaj played his first Twenty20 International match for India against Sri Lanka. In 2022, he played his first One-Day International. He is still a dependable top-order batsman and might be an Indian cricket star in the future.
Awards and Achievements:
- IPL Emerging Player Award (2021): Recognized for his exceptional performances during the IPL season.
- Orange Cap Winner (2021): Awarded the Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer in IPL 2021.
- Indian Team Debut (2021): Represented India in T20 Internationals and ODIs.
- Ranji Trophy Star: Consistent run-scorer for Maharashtra in domestic cricket.
- Part of IPL Winning Team: Played a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ victorious IPL 2021 campaign.
Personal Life:
Ruturaj Gaikwad would rather not discuss his private life. He is well-known for his modest demeanour and intense commitment to the game. Outside of the field, he likes to travel, spend time with his family, and take up new interests. He keeps a quiet profile and remains close to his Pune origins despite his growing celebrity.
Utkarsha Pawar, a fellow cricket player who has played domestic cricket for Maharashtra, is Ruturaj’s partner. Their mutual passion for the game has made them closer, and they are frequently spotted encouraging one another in their professional endeavours.
Ruturaj is passionate about fitness and maintains a strict exercise regimen outside of cricket. He also likes to spend time with friends, travel to beautiful places, and see films. He also actively participates in community development projects and donates to charity as part of his social efforts.
Legacy and Future Prospects:
Ruturaj Gaikwad is regarded as a bright prospect for Indian cricket because of his cool-headed and collected batting approach. He is a great asset because of his versatility across forms and capacity for high-pressure performance. Cricket fans anxiously anticipate his contributions on the global scene as he continues to acquire experience, with the hope that he may emerge as one of the game’s most important characters in the years to come.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is a talented Indian cricketer known for his elegant batting style and consistent performances in both domestic and international cricket.