In Thiruvananthapuram, at the challenging Greenfield Stadium, Ruturaj Gaikwad made an explosive comeback to cricket, breaking a five-month silence enforced by injury. The Maharashtra batsman, batting at number four, delivered a magnificent, flawless 91-run innings. It was a display of sheer determination, elegance, and quiet defiance. He stepped onto the field with his team in dire straits at 0 for 2, and batted with the focus of someone on a vital mission.
Had it not been for Gaikwad’s steadying presence, Maharashtra’s innings would have completely unravelled. By the time bad light brought an early end to Day 1, the visiting team had reached a shaky 179 for 7 after Kerala opted to field first.
The initial phase of play was intense. Kerala’s bowlers, relishing the damp conditions, made the new ball perform all sorts of tricks—offering seam movement, swing, and constant threats. They unleashed their full arsenal against Gaikwad, but he remained unperturbed, demonstrating monk-like composure. His exquisite technique, characterized by soft hands, precise late movement, and high elbows, was a textbook example of red-ball batting.
This was far from a quick-fire innings. It was meticulously constructed, stroke by stroke: a confident forward press, a judicious leave, a cover drive played with the delicacy of an artist’s brush. While his scoring came in bursts, his concentration remained absolute.
Partnering him was the ever-reliable Jalaj Saxena, who, interestingly, had played for Kerala just a month prior. Saxena contributed a patient 49, adding his characteristic stoicism to the innings. Together, they forged a vital 122-run sixth-wicket partnership—a powerful statement of intent that effectively countered Kerala’s early dominance, built on sheer resilience and smart cricket.
For Gaikwad, this innings symbolized more than just a return to form; it marked a resurgence of purpose. Sidelined since April due to an elbow injury he sustained while captaining the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, the 28-year-old had missed crucial fixtures, including the India A tour against the England Lions and a County cricket stint with Yorkshire.
Even Kerala’s fast bowler MD Nidheesh, who had ripped through Maharashtra’s early batting line-up, offered high praise for Gaikwad and Saxena. ‘They successfully navigated the challenging period before lunch,’ Nidheesh stated. ‘In the second session, the pitch had settled down, making batting considerably easier. They deserve full credit for their exceptional batting performance.’
The enforced break, however, allowed Gaikwad the valuable opportunity to refocus and meticulously hone his red-ball game.
Although he narrowly missed a century, his innings carried all the weight and impact of one. As daylight faded on the field, there was a palpable sense of a new beginning. It was a powerful second wind for a batsman who truly understands that patience, in cricket, is a formidable strength.
Just one day into the Ranji season, and the tournament already has its undeniable first hero.
Brief Scores: Maharashtra finished Day 1 at 179/7 in 59 overs, with Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring 91 and Jalaj Saxena 49. MD Nidheesh was Kerala’s standout bowler, taking 4/42.