[WATCH] Ruturaj Gaikwad shows off his wicket-keeping skills in Maharashtra Premier League 2024
Prolific right-handed batter Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased his wicket-keeping skills during the Maharashtra Premier League 2024 game between Puneri Bappa and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Kings. The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune hosted this exciting clash on Monday, June 17.
In the first over of the match, Puneri Bappa captain Gaikwad donned the gloves to take over the wicket-keeping duties, and the footage went viral on social media. Right-arm pacer Vivek Shelar bowled a wayward delivery towards the leg side, resulting in Gaikwad stretching towards his right side and producing a diving effort to collect the ball cleanly. After stopping the ball, the 27-year-old was seen smiling at being tested on his first delivery itself.
Watch Gaikwad's effort in the video below:
In 2022 as well, Gaikwad's video went viral, as he stumped Sanju Samson in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament fixture between Maharashtra and Kerala.
Meanwhile, Gaikwad has been in good form for Puneri Bappa in the Maharashtra Premier League 2024. He has garnered 290 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 168.60, with a top score of 89. However, his team stands last in the points table with only three wins in nine league matches.
Ruturaj Gaikwad had a terrific IPL 2024 season
Playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ruturaj Gaikwad shone bright with his consistency in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gaikwad amassed 583 runs in 14 innings at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 141.16. He ended as the tournament's second-highest run-getter behind Virat Kohli (741).
Gaikwad's best knock of 108* off 60 balls came against the Lucknow Super Giants (LAG) in a losing cause. He followed it up with another brilliant knock of 98 off 54 balls, helping CSK win by 78 runs against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, he was out on a duck in CSK's crucial game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Meanwhile, Gaikwad's last T20I appearance came in December 2023 against Australia in Bengaluru, where he was dismissed for 10 off 12. It will be interesting to see if and when Ruturaj Gaikwad makes a comeback to the Indian team.