The Match: Playing for Maharashtra against Jharkhand in an Elite Group C match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered a crucial knock. Unfamiliar Position: Coming off the back of India A's home series against Australia, Gaikwad walked out to bat at an unusual number seven position after skipper Prithvi Shaw fell at 345-5. The Knock: He stitched together a partnership of over 150 runs alongside fellow centurion Ankit Bawne, reaching his milestone off 172 balls with six boundaries and a six. 📊 Milestone & First-Class Record Tenth Ton: This innings marked Gaikwad's 10th first-class century in his first appearance of the domestic season. Decade in the Format: Having made his first-class debut in October 2016 against the same opponent (Jharkhand) at age 19, Gaikwad recently completed a decade in longer-format cricket. Overall Numbers: Across 49 first-class matches, he has amassed nearly 3,500 runs at a healthy average of around 45, featuring 10 centuries and 18 half-centuries. The elegant right-handed batter subsequently forged over 150 runs with fellow centurion Ankit Bawne, and raced to the landmark figure from 172 balls with six boundaries and a six. 🎯 Knocking on the Test Doors Despite his stellar domestic numbers and consistency over the years, a senior Test cap has eluded the 29-year-old batter. This resilient lower-order masterclass serves as another timely statement to the Indian men’s selection committee as he continues to push for a long-awaited spot in the Test squad.