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CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Roars Back In Form With Scintillating 97 In SMAT

Rajgeeta Yadav

Ruturaj Gaikwad slams 97 runs in SMAT [Source: @abhirajsingh311/X.com]Ruturaj Gaikwad slams 97 runs in SMAT [Source: @abhirajsingh311/X.com]

Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has bounced back in style. After an impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, he struggled in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, scoring only small runs in his previous four matches. But on December 5, Thursday, he showed his true form against Services at Gymkhana Ground, Hyderabad.

Batting first, Ruturaj blasted an amazing 97 runs off just 48 balls, hitting six fours and eight sixes, and finished with a strike rate of 202. He was just three runs short of a well-deserved century. 

This brilliant knock came despite his recent poor form in the tournament, and it was a reminder of his quality, as he had scored 231 runs in two Ranji matches earlier this year with an average of 77.

Ruturaj Helps Maharashtra Post 232 Runs On Board

Maharashtra posted a total of 231 runs in their 20 overs. With this win, Maharashtra will be looking to move up from their fifth position in the SMAT points table. Their last defeat was against Goa, who won by four wickets. Maharashtra are eager to improve their standings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and secure another important win in their next match.

Ruturaj Gaikwad To Lead CSK In IPL 2025

This performance also serves as ideal preparation for Ruturaj ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he will captain the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Notably, he kept wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), a move that sparked discussions about his potential to succeed the legendary Dhoni as CSK's wicketkeeper in the future.

Retained for a whopping ₹18 crores, Ruturaj is one of the five key players the franchise is banking on, alongside MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana.