New Delhi : Ruturaj Gaikwad created history and etched his name in record books during his match-winning innings for India A in the second unofficial one-day against South Africa A on Sunday (November 16). The India A vice-captain remained unbeaten on 68 off 83 balls as they chased down 133 in 27.5 overs. Ruturaj added 53 runs for the first wicket with Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 32 off 22 balls. Ruturaj and Tilak Varma propelled India A to a win by adding 82 runs for the second wicket.
Ruturaj slammed a century in the first match of the series. The right-handed batsman scored a crucial 117 as India A chased down 290 in the final over. He has won back-to-back Player of the Match awards in the series.
Ruturaj Gaikwad creates history
- Ruturaj Gaikwad created history and went past Cheteshwar Pujara to become the Indian batsman with the best List A batting average. He had an average of 56.93 before the start of the fixture.
- Since Ruturaj remained unbeaten in the chase, his average went past 57 and he now averages 57.80 in List A cricket. He is now only behind Australia legend Michael Bevan.
- One of the best ODI finishers, Bevan finished his List A career with an average of 57.86. He has a small lead over the Indian batsman.
- Among the Indians, Ruutraj is followed by Pujara, who had an average of 57.01. He played 5 ODIs. With an average of 56.66, Virat Kohli has the third-best List A average among the Indian batsmen.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s List A career
Ruturaj kicked off his List A career with a century for Maharashtra in the 2016/17 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He first came into the national contention in 2021 and made his ODI debut against South Africa in 2022. He has 4509 runs in 85 List A innings. His tally includes 17 centuries and 18 fifties.
