In the second ODI against South Africa (3 December 2025, Raipur), Ruturaj Gaikwad ended his 803-day wait for a major ODI knock — he smashed a composed half-century and stitched a strong partnership with Virat Kohli. That fifty, after such a long gap, could mark a reset for his international ODI career.
Key Takeaways
- Gaikwad scored a gritty fifty (≈ 51 off 55 balls) in the 2nd ODI vs South Africa, ending a drought of 803 days since his last significant ODI innings.
- He and Kohli built a critical stand that steadied India’s innings — restoring momentum after early wickets and putting the chase on track.
- The knock underlines Gaikwad’s potential as a reliable middle-order bat in ODIs, beyond franchise and domestic cricket.
- For selectors and fans, this innings serves as a reminder: Gaikwad can bounce back, and his place in the Indian ODI setup deserves renewed attention.
What Happened: Match Snapshot
2nd ODI, India vs South Africa — Raipur, 3 Dec 2025
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Toss | South Africa won — chose to bowl first |
| Gaikwad’s innings | ~51 runs off 55 balls (half-century) before being dismissed |
| Key partnership | Gaikwad + Kohli second-wicket stand — stabilised innings after early loss of two wickets |
| Significance | First strong ODI knock for Gaikwad in 803 days — fresh signal of form and intent |
Why This Fifty Matters
- After a long wait: Gaikwad hasn’t had a standout ODI performance in well over two years. This fifty shuts a long silence.
- In pressure environment: Team lost early wickets; Kohli anchored things but needed support. Gaikwad delivered.
- Confidence-boosting: Middle-order stability, strike rotation — showed he can handle ODI tempo, not just T20s or domestic matches.
What This Means for Gaikwad (and Indian Cricket)
For Gaikwad personally
- Revival chance: After years of waiting and uneven opportunities, this fifty could push him back into selectors’ regular thinking.
- Middle-order value: Demonstrated he can hold his own at No. 4–5, absorb pressure, and build innings — not just live on power hitting.
- Momentum for future games: Confidence from this knock will matter ahead of third ODI, and future series.
For Team India’s ODI setup
- Depth and bench strength: As senior players age, fresh or younger middle-order batsmen like Gaikwad become crucial. This performance adds depth.
- Flexible batting order: With Gaikwad showing composure, selectors have more flexibility — can afford to shuffle batting positions without compromising stability.
- Pressure handling: Shows India’s bench can handle pressure situations — good sign for long tournaments or World Cup–type series.
But It’s Not a “Guaranteed Return” Yet
- One good innings doesn’t erase two years’ absence — consistency will matter now.
- Middle order competition is intense. Others (younger or established) will want the same chance.
- Selection sometimes depends on conditions & team balance, not just form.
Still — this fifty resets the narrative around Gaikwad.
Why This Knock Felt Like “Redemption”
- It came after 803 days without a notable ODI innings — a long career drought.
- It wasn’t flashy — controlled, sensible, built under pressure. Showed maturity.
- It involved backing from a proven senior (Kohli), but the onus was on Gaikwad to contribute — and he delivered.
FAQs
A: Yes. According to match record and media reports, this was his first half-century in ODIs after a long gap — effectively ending that drought.
A: He batted in the middle order (No. 4 or 5), joining after early wickets, and stabilized the innings alongside Kohli.
A: Not automatically. It’s a strong signal — but for a regular spot, he will need to follow this up with consistency, especially given stiff competition.
