"That’s the power of discipline, consistency, and staying focused" - Fans laud Ruturaj Gaikwad for maiden ODI century in IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed his maiden ODI hundred in the second game between India and South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3. He played a sensational knock and got to the milestone with a boundary as well.

Gaikwad got to the landmark in the 34th over, where he pulled a short delivery from Corbin Bosch wide of mid-on for a boundary. He was eventually dismissed for 105 off just 83 balls. His magnificent ton included 12 fours and two sixes at a strike-rate of 126.51.

Gaikwad had last played an ODI before the ongoing South Africa series in 2023. With Shreyas Iyer being ruled out, he got an opportunity to bat at number four. He did not start well in the first game, but proved his worth this time around.

Fans lauded him for his stellar century, through which he stamped his authority and showcased his class.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t get many chances, but he kept improving every single day. Today, he proved it with a brilliant 100. That’s the power of discipline, consistency, and staying focused on your goal," a fan wrote on X.

Mohit Kumar

@MohitKumar1322

Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t get many chances, but he kept improving every single day. Today, he proved it with a brilliant 100. That’s the power of discipline, consistency, and staying focused on your goal.#Ruturaj #DSA #development #Coding #github #OpenSource

"Team management sidelined Ruturaj Gaikwad for too long—dropped him out of position at No.4, ignored his class despite domestic tons & CSK captaincy. But today in Raipur? Maiden ODI 105! Proved 'em all wrong. Take a bow, Rutu!," another fan tweeted.

Silly Point Papa

@sillypointpapa

Team management sidelined Ruturaj Gaikwad for too long—dropped him out of position at No.4, ignored his class despite domestic tons & CSK captaincy. But today in Raipur? Maiden ODI 105! Proved 'em all wrong. Take a bow, Rutu! #RuturajGaikwad #INDvSA #ClassAct

Below are more reactions from fans on X -

Gautam Rajput

@GautamSing32370

-No PR-No Controversy-No Drama-No Insta Story-No sledging-No politics -No attitude​TAKE A BOW, RUTURAJ GAIKWAD. 🙇‍♂️​He smashed 105 runs from 83 balls including 12 fours and 2 sixes against South Africa - What a Knock by Rutu!​#Ruturaj #INDvSA

Revanth

@revanthvsr

No backing. So much negative PR against my man. Still, he trusted the process like Thala said and kept performing—be it domestic cricket or every opportunity he got. This century is just the beginning. My man Ruturaj Gaikwad is here to rule 👑

Ziya

@Ziya7msd

Making Ruturaj Gaikwad play at 4 is GAUTAM GAMBHIR's second biggest achievement after scoring 97 in the 2011 finals.

Saideep 🇮🇳

@saideep1501

Ruturaj Gaikwad just made sure he can be a back-up option for no.4 and opener. ​Today he batted with a perfect template that you needed in ODIs as a middle order batter. ​#INDvSA

Sniper_Cheeku

@VarunParihar06

A Quality Hundred From Ruturaj Gaikwad. Great Shots And More Than That Running Between The Wickets Was Top Notch. First Hundred Is Always Special. Many More To Go.

Gaikwad walked in with India having lost both their openers inside the powerplay. However, he absorbed the pressure and took the attack to the opposition once he was well settled in the middle.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed the second-fastest ODI hundred for India against South Africa

Ruturaj Gaikwad initially took some time in the middle. He got to his half-century of 52 balls while looking to build a vital partnership with Virat Kohli. Once he got to his fifty, Gaikwad took charge and stepped on the accelerator.

He went from his fifty to his hundred in just another 25 balls, scoring at a rapid pace. Gaikwad got to his ton off just 77 balls, recording the second-fastest ton by an Indian in ODIs against South Africa.

He is now behind former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan. Yusuf had blasted a 68-ball ton in 2011 against the Proteas in Centurion.