Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, known with elegant strokeplay and consistent performance for Chennai Super Kings and India cricket lineup. Proving his mettle as a top-order batsman.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Story of ‘Rocket Raja’ from Pune

Ruturaj Gaikwad, a dynamic and skilled cricketer from India, has made significant strides in both domestic and international cricket.

Born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra, Gaikwad’s cricketing journey is marked by his fluid batting technique and consistent performance.

He first gained prominence in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy and has since become a key player for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and a promising talent in the India national cricket team.

Early Career

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s cricketing journey began in Pune, where he joined the Varroc Vengsarkar Academy at the age of 13.

His early promise was evident in tournaments like the Cadence Trophy and the Maharashtra Invitational Tournament.

Gaikwad’s talent was recognized early on, and he was tipped to achieve great heights in cricket.

Domestic Career

Gaikwad made his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. He quickly established himself as a prolific run-scorer, particularly in List A cricket.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he was the third-highest run-scorer, showcasing his ability to play solid, risk-free cricket while maintaining a healthy strike rate.

His performances in domestic cricket led to selections for India A and India B teams, further honing his skills.

International Career

Gaikwad’s international debut came in July 2021 against Sri Lanka in a T20I match. He soon made his ODI debut as well, marking his entry into the Indian national team.

His international career has been characterized by some notable performances, including a maiden T20I half-century against South Africa and consistent contributions in ODIs.

IPL Career

His performances in domestic cricket, especially in the 2018-19 Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he was the highest-run getter for Maharashtra, caught the attention of the IPL scouts.

He was roped in by CSK in the 2019 IPL auction for INR 20 Lakhs, a move that was the start of a promising IPL career.

In his IPL career till 2023, Gaikwad played 36 matches, scoring 1207 runs with a best score of 101*, including 1 century and 10 half-centuries.

Particularly noteworthy was his performance in the 2021 IPL season, where he scored 635 runs in 16 matches with a strike rate of 136.26, earning him the Orange Cap and the Emerging Player of the Year award.

In the 2022 season, Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 368 runs in 14 games, including three fifty-plus scores.

Career Across Formats

In T20Is, Gaikwad has shown his ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the game, while his ODI performances reflect his solid technique and temperament.

Though he has yet to make his mark in Test cricket, his first-class records suggest that he has the potential to excel in the longest format of the game as well.

Cricket Records List by Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, an emerging star in the Indian cricket team, has begun to etch his name in the record books with his impressive performances.

His international career, spanning from 2021 to 2023, has already seen him achieve notable records in T20 Internationals. Here’s a detailed look at some of his significant records:

Top Records

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):

• Most Runs in a Match on the Losing Side: Scored an impressive 123 runs*, placing him 2nd in this category.
• Highest Partnership for the Fourth Wicket: Achieved a partnership of 141 runs*, ranking 6th in this record.
• Most Runs in an Innings: Scored 123 runs*, making him the 17th highest scorer in a T20I innings.
• Most Runs in an Innings by Batting Position: His score of 123 runs* places him 15th in this category.
• Most Fours in an Innings: Hit 13 fours, ranking him 18th for the most fours in a T20I innings.
• Most Runs from Fours and Sixes in an Innings: Accumulated 94 runs from boundaries, placing him 20th in this record.
• Most Catches in an Innings: Took 3 catches in a single innings, ranking him 23rd in this category.

Family and Personal Story of Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, a prominent figure in India cricket, hails from a family that values education and academic achievements.

Despite this, Gaikwad’s passion for cricket was nurtured and supported by his family, allowing him to pursue his dreams on the cricket field. Here’s a closer look at his family background:

Parents and Early Support

His father, Dashrath Gaikwad , is a former Defence Research Development Officer, Dashrath played a crucial role in Ruturaj’s early cricketing journey. He allowed Ruturaj to start playing leather ball cricket at the tender age of five.

Gaikwad’s mother, Savita Gaikwad is a teacher at a municipal school, Savita, along with Dashrath, provided unwavering support to Ruturaj in his cricketing endeavors.

They encouraged him to balance his passion for cricket with his studies, never pressuring him to prioritize academics over his sporting career.

Marriage and Personal Life

Ruturaj Gaikwad married Utkarsha Pawar, a fellow cricketer. The couple’s wedding was a significant event, with Ruturaj sharing enchanting wedding photographs on social media, celebrating the start of their new journey together.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: Net Worth and Financial Profile

Ruturaj Gaikwad, a rising star in Indian cricket, has seen a significant increase in his net worth over recent years, thanks to his impressive performances in domestic and international cricket.

As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be substantial, reflecting his success on the cricket field and his endorsements. Here’s a detailed look at his financial profile:

Net Worth and Earnings

• Net Worth (2023): Ruturaj Gaikwad’s net worth in 2023 is estimated to be around INR 36 crores (approximately USD 4.3 million). This includes his earnings from cricket, endorsements, and advertisements.
• IPL Salary: Gaikwad’s income from the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) is a significant contributor to his net worth. He earns 6 crores per season playing for Chennai Super Kings.
• BCCI and Domestic Cricket Earnings: While not centrally contracted with the BCCI, Gaikwad earns INR 3 lakh for every T20I game he plays for India. He also earns from playing domestic cricket.

Brand Endorsements

Gaikwad has been endorsed by several brands, including the fantasy sports platform My11Circle alongside Shubman Gill. In 2020, he signed a two-year contract with Baselines Ventures for managing his commercial interests.

Assets

Gaikwad reportedly owns luxury vehicles, including a BMW and an Audi. Also, he owns a luxurious house in the Madhuban society in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune.

3 Controversies Involving Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, a talented cricketer from India, has been involved in a few controversies that have caught the attention of the media and cricket fans. Here’s a detailed look at these incidents, arranged from the most recent:

1. Fans Slam BCCI for Ignoring Ruturaj Gaikwad (2023)

In 2023, Ruturaj Gaikwad found himself at the center of controversy when he was repeatedly overlooked for selection in the Indian cricket team.

Fans expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media, especially when Gaikwad was not included in the playing XI for the second ODI match against West Indies.

The decision by the team management to exclude Gaikwad, despite the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, led to widespread criticism and allegations of unfair treatment.

2. Refusal to Take Selfie with Groundsman (2022)

In June 2022, during a T20I series between India and South Africa, Gaikwad was seen refusing a selfie request from a groundsman.

The incident, which occurred in the dugout after a match was called off due to rain, was captured on camera and quickly went viral.

Gaikwad’s apparent reluctance to take the selfie and his subsequent behavior were criticized by netizens, who expressed their displeasure over his attitude towards the groundsman.

3. Relationship Rumors with Actress Sayali Sanjeev (2021)

In 2021, Ruturaj Gaikwad was involved in a controversy regarding his alleged relationship with Marathi actress Sayali Sanjeev.

The rumors started after an interaction between the two on Instagram, where Gaikwad commented on one of Sanjeev’s posts, leading to speculation among fans.

Ruturaj Gaikwad later addressed the rumors with a cheeky response on his Instagram story, clarifying that only bowlers could take his wicket, not anyone else, thereby dismissing the relationship speculations.