A day before IPL 2024, the cricketing world was stunned when the traditional captains’ photoshoot in Chennai featured a new face in yellow: Ruturaj Gaikwad. Taking the reins from the legendary MS Dhoni, the Pune-born opening batter transitioned from MSD’s disciple to the leader of one of cricket’s most successful franchises.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Domestic Career

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s domestic journey began with Maharashtra in the 2016/17 Ranji Trophy season. His debut didn’t go according to plan, as the batter was injured while fielding in the first innings, and was unable to bat in the second innings as Maharashtra lost the match by 6 wickets.

The right-handed batter made a name for himself during the 2016/17 Vijay Hazare Trophy, when he ended as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament. 

Following some good performances in List-A matches, Gaikwad was picked in the India B squad for the 2018/19 Deodhar Trophy and was also part of India’s squad for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

Gaikwad was in stellar form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22, dominating the run-scoring charts, smashing four centuries across the five matches he played. In the following edition of the competition, he enjoyed an even better campaign, compiling 660 runs, including three centuries and a double-hundred, in five innings. 

On the way to his double-ton, he smashed seven sixes in an over to Uttar Pradesh's Shiva Singh, becoming the first batter in the limited-overs cricket to do so. He became the first batter to score four or more tons in two separate editions of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Ruturaj Gaikwad IPL Career

The Pune-born Ruturaj Gaikwad was brought into the CSK squad ahead of the IPL 2020, but just before the start of the tournament, he tested positive for COVID-19. However, Gaikwad recovered well and played in the latter stages of the tournament. Making his IPL debut on September 22, 2020, Ruturaj was good at the top of the order, amassing 204 runs in 6 matches at an average of 51.0.

Ahead of the IPL 2021, Gaikwad was retained by the franchise and further established himself on the big stage. He won the Orange Cap, scoring 635 runs, including a hundred, in 16 innings, helping CSK lift the title. After an average IPL 2022, he again ran amok in the following season, smashing close to 600 runs at a strike-rate of 147.50, taking CSK to their fifth trophy.

Gaikwad was retained by the franchise for the IPL 2023 season with a retention fee of INR 6 crores. He scored 590 runs across 16 matches at an average of 42.14 that season and played a pivotal role in helping the franchise secure its fifth IPL title.

In news that shook the cricketing world, Mahendra Singh Dhoni handed over CSK’s leadership to Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024. Though it was a shock to the world, it’s a perfect platform for the classy opening batter to shine as a captain for a long time.

Under Gaikwad's stewardship, CSK aimed to harness his strategic acumen and batting prowess to navigate the evolving dynamics of the IPL.

In his first season as skipper, Gaikwad showcased his leadership through consistent performances, amassing 583 runs in 14 innings at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 141.16.

His standout moment came with an unbeaten 108* against Lucknow Super Giants, making him the highest-scoring CSK captain in an IPL innings. He also surpassed Michael Hussey to become CSK’s fourth-highest run-getter in IPL history.

In the IPL 2025, Gaikwad was ruled out mid-season after fracturing his elbow. Following his injury, MS Dhoni took over the captaincy for the remainder of the season, with young Ayush Mhatre coming in as his replacement.

Ruturaj Gaikwad T20I Career

Ruturaj Gaikwad made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka on July 28, 2021. While his international start was gradual, he found his rhythm with a maiden half-century against South Africa in June 2022.

His most significant international achievement to date came as a leader. He captained the Indian men’s team to a historic Gold Medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. His tactical acumen and a crucial 40* (26) in the semi-final against Bangladesh were instrumental in India’s podium finish.

On November 28, 2023, though in a losing cause, Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed his first-ever international ton during India's third T20I, of the five-match series, versus Australia in Guwahati.

Ruturaj Gaikwad ODI Career

Ruturaj Gaikwad earned his ODI cap against South Africa in October 2022. His inclusion in the 50-over format was a natural progression from his unprecedented run-scoring feats in List A domestic cricket.

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century on December 3, 2025, against South Africa in Raipur. He played a composed knock, scoring 105 runs off 83 balls while batting at the number four position.

While still in the early stages of his ODI journey compared to his T20 exploits, his solid backfoot play and ability to anchor long innings make him a natural fit for the format’s requirements.

(As of March 2026)