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Ruturaj Gaikwad sent a powerful message to national selectors with a spectacular performance in the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025, smashing a brilliant 133 runs against Himachal Pradesh. The Chennai Super Kings captain returned to form in emphatic fashion, culminating his innings with four consecutive sixes in a single over that has become the tournament’s highlight.
The 28-year-old’s commanding knock came at a crucial juncture for both his personal form and Maharashtra‘s campaign. After struggling with scores of 1 and 11 against Chhattisgarh in the opening round and missing the second fixture entirely, Gaikwad’s century against Himachal Pradesh marked a triumphant comeback. His innings of 133 runs from 144 balls, adorned with 10 boundaries and four towering maximums, demonstrated the class and temperament that made him India’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2021.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s moment of pure brilliance smashing 4 huge sixes
The defining moment of Gaikwad’s innings arrived when he launched a brutal assault on Himachal Pradesh off-spinner Aman Jainwal. In what has become the tournament’s most viral moment, the Maharashtra captain smashed four consecutive sixes in a single over, accumulating 24 runs, all four on the leg side, and shifting the match’s momentum decisively. The spectacular display of power-hitting showcased Gaikwad’s ability to switch gears seamlessly, transitioning from measured accumulation to explosive aggression.
Each six was executed with clinical precision, demonstrating the technical soundness and clean hitting ability that has made Gaikwad one of India’s most reliable top-order batters. The over not only energized his teammates but also served as a stark reminder to selectors of his match-winning capabilities at the highest level.
Here’s the video:
Rutu goes 4️⃣ sixes in an over! 💥💥💥💥#WhistlePodu #BuchiBabuTournament
🎥 : @tncacricket pic.twitter.com/UXeZVNm9cw
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 26, 2025
Also READ: Top 5 players to watch out for in the Duleep Trophy 2025 ft. Shreyas Iyer
Maharashtra’s dominance over Himachal Pradesh in Buchi Babu Tournament 2025
Gaikwad’s century formed part of a magnificent 220-run partnership with opener Arshin Kulkarni, who complemented the captain’s brilliance with his own outstanding knock of 146 runs from 190 deliveries. The partnership, which spanned 269 balls, rescued Maharashtra from an early setback when Siddhesh Veer fell for 22 runs and laid the foundation for their commanding first-innings total of 440 runs.
The duo’s understanding and complementary batting styles were evident throughout their marathon stand. While Gaikwad reached his century in 122 balls with controlled aggression, Kulkarni provided steady support with 16 boundaries and a six in his knock. Their partnership not only stabilized Maharashtra’s innings but also put them in a position of strength against Himachal Pradesh, who struggled with Prince Thakur claiming 6/144 as their standout bowling performance.
This performance represents more than just a return to form for Gaikwad – it serves as a compelling case for his inclusion in India’s future plans. Having missed the Asia Cup 2025 squad and endured a challenging period that included injury during IPL 2025 and withdrawal from his Yorkshire County contract due to personal reasons, this century demonstrates that the talented right-hander remains a force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket. As Maharashtra continues their Buchi Babu Tournament campaign, Gaikwad’s explosive return to form provides both team and individual momentum heading into the crucial Duleep Trophy, where he will represent the West Zone.
