"He is CSK's captain in the IPL and that leadership was seen" - Former India coach lauds Ruturaj Gaikwad's century in IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar has noted that Ruturaj Gaikwad's century in the second ODI against South Africa needs to be celebrated even though it came in a losing cause. He pointed out that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper also showed leadership qualities during his innings.

Gaikwad smashed 105 runs off 83 deliveries to help India set South Africa a 359-run target in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3. The Proteas achieved the target with four wickets and as many deliveries to spare, drawing level in the three-match series.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Nayar was asked about Gaikwad scoring his maiden ODI century, albeit in a losing cause.

"It needs to be celebrated because it's a kind of win even in a loss. When you are given a chance at No. 4 because Shreyas Iyer is injured and you make the most of it with a century, it shows his maturity and leadership qualities," the former India all-rounder responded.

"He is CSK's captain in the IPL and that leadership was seen in his batting today (Wednesday). If we see the fan clubs of any team over the years, they frequently discuss why Ruturaj Gaikwad is not given chances. He proved today that he is a big player. Big players score runs when they are given an opportunity," he added.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was included in India's playing XI because Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the series due to an injury. Although the stylish batter managed only eight runs in the series opener, he made up for it with a classy century in Wednesday's game.

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"Everyone knows what his capability is" - Abhishek Nayar on Ruturaj Gaikwad matching Virat Kohli's century in IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Ruturaj Gaikwad (left) and Virat Kohli stitched together a 195-run third-wicket partnership. [P/C: BCCI/X]

On Star Sports, Abhishek Nayar was also asked about Ruturaj Gaikwad matching Virat Kohli's century in terms of quality.

"I am not at all surprised. Everyone knows what his capability is. I am happy because he has scored a century at a number he has never batted at, and that century didn't come in the first match, but in the second match, where there was slight pressure on you," he replied.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Gaikwad scored his century under pressure and seemed like an extremely experienced player.

"You didn't know whether you would get a chance in the third match if you hadn't scored runs in this match. Big players are made when there is pressure on you. You scored runs that people feel compete with Virat Kohli's runs. He was fully in control. It didn't seem like a youngster was batting. It seemed like a very experienced batter who had 10 to 12 centuries behind him was batting," Nayar elaborated.

Ruturaj Gaikwad struck 12 fours and two sixes during his 105-run knock. Virat Kohli scored 102 runs off 93 deliveries with the help of seven fours and two sixes.