Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Ruturaj Gaikwad slams Ton against Mumbai on Day 3

On Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC Ground in Mumbai, Ruturaj Gaikwad notched his seventh first-class hundred against Mumbai. The Maharashtra captain, started Day 3 with a first-ball six against Shardul Thakur. The right-handed batter also has 14 half-centuries to his name.

Having played 35 first-class games, he has over 2,400 runs at an average of 43. The 27-year-old has represented India in six ODIs and 23 T20Is and has not debuted for India in Tests. Previously, Gaikwad scored 86 runs against Jammu & Kashmir at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Maharashtra's first game of the season.

The Chennai Super Kings skipper is rumoured to be in contention to travel with the Indian team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November. India captain, Rohit Sharma will potentially miss the first Test in Perth starting from November 22. Gaikwad who will be in the prospects as a backup opener might well be fielded in the playing XI.

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Maharashtra fight back after crumbling in first innings

Maharashtra won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision proved to have fired back as the team was bundled up for just 126 runs. Mohit Avasthi and Shams Mulani dazzled for Mumbai with three wickets each. When the defending champions came out to bat, on the back of Ayush Mhatre’s 176 and Shreyas Iyer’s 142, they posted a massive total of 441 with a lead of 315 runs. 

Speaking of Maharashtra’s bowling, Hitesh Walunj acted as a lone warrior in the bowling department as he picked six wickets bowling more than 36 overs. Pradeep Dadhe picked two wickets, whereas, Satyajeet Bachhav and Siddhesh Veer chipped in with one wicket each.