In a move that initially raised eyebrows, the Indian team management's decision to slot specialist opener Ruturaj Gaikwad at number four in the ODI batting order has been spectacularly vindicated. The right-handed batter silenced his critics with a magnificent maiden ODI century, scoring a blistering 105 off just 83 balls in the second match against South Africa in Raipur.
From Opener to Middle-Order Anchor: A Calculated Risk
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Gautam Gambhir faced scrutiny for promoting Gaikwad to fill the void left by the injured Shreyas Iyer. Many argued that established middle-order players like Rishabh Pant or Tilak Varma were better suited for the role, and that asking a lifelong opener to bat at No. 4 was an injustice. These doubts seemed justified when Gaikwad managed only eight runs in the first ODI in Ranchi.
However, the faith shown in the 28-year-old was not without foundation. His selection was heavily influenced by a stellar run for India A against South Africa A in Rajkot, where he scored 117, 68*, and 25. The management believed his form was too compelling to ignore, viewing him as a versatile talent who could adapt.
A Century Partnership with Kohli and a Personal Milestone
Gaikwad repaid that faith in full at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium. In a masterclass of controlled aggression, he brought up his first ODI hundred in just 77 balls. He forged a devastating 195-run partnership for the third wicket with the legendary Virat Kohli (102) in a mere 156 deliveries, propelling India to a formidable total of 358.
Reflecting on his new role, Gaikwad called it a "privilege" that the management trusted an opener with such a crucial middle-order position. He explained his adjusted mindset, focusing on navigating the first 10-15 balls before settling into his natural game. "I have always tried to make sure I am able to bat till the 45th over and capitalise after that," Gaikwad stated, highlighting his one-day batting philosophy.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
This century was a significant breakthrough for Gaikwad in ODI colors. Before this knock, his record was modest—123 runs in seven matches at an average of 17.57—which belied his proven domestic prowess, including 18 List A centuries. A combination of injury, illness, and fierce competition for top-order spots had limited his opportunities.
With Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead in the opening pecking order, this series presented a chance only due to injuries. Gaikwad admitted he consciously stopped overthinking his place and focused on scoring runs consistently in any format he played. He rated this century as the best knock of his career, specifically because of the challenge of batting out of position.
His innings also offered a glimpse of a valuable skill for the future—the ease with which he tackled left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj suggested potential for tackling turning tracks in Test cricket. While his brilliant effort ultimately came in a losing cause as South Africa chased down the target, Gaikwad's knock has firmly reignited the conversation about his permanent role in India's white-ball future.
