Ranji Trophy: After a duck, Ruturaj Gaikwad makes amends with a ton

Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed a ton against Mumbai on October 20 (Sunday) in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings at the Sharad Pawar Academy, BKC, in Mumbai. 

Gaikwad was involved in a massive 222-run stand for the second wicket with Sachin Dhas (98) after Maharashtra lost opener Siddhesh Veer for a duck. Gaikwad was eventually out for 145 off 171 deliveries, giving Shams Mulani his first wicket of the innings.

Runs were of the essence for Gaikwad, who is likely to lead India A on their tour of Australia. With Rohit Sharma set to miss one of the first two Tests against Australia, it opens up the doors for Gaikwad to fill in. This ton will go a long way in doing that, especially with other contenders like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan breathing down his neck.

Maharashtra were bundled out for just 126 in the first innings, while Mumbai, rode on centuries from Ayush Mhatre (176) and Shreyas Iyer (142) to post 441, thereby taking a lead of 315 runs. Maharashtra are still behind but are poised to take the lead and will hope to set Mumbai a formidable target.

Gaikwad started off the Ranji Trophy season with 86 against Jammu & Kashmir in the first round, which ended in a draw. The 27-year-old has played six One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 23 T20 Internationals (T20I) for India but is yet to make his Test debut.

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