‘Kya gear switch kiya bhai ne’ – Fans react as Ruturaj Gaikwad smashes 52-ball century against Australia in 3rd T20I

India’s emerging star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed a magnificent century in the 3rd T20I of the 5-match series against Australia at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on November 28. Gaikwad’s maiden T20I century, a blistering 123 runs off just 57 deliveries, has earned him praise from fans.

The right-handed batter has etched his name alongside cricketing luminaries like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill as the fifth opener to achieve this remarkable feat. Gaikwad’s innings was nothing short of a masterclass, featuring 13 boundaries and 7 sixes. His explosive batting propelled India to a commanding total of 222 for 3 in the first innings, setting the stage for a formidable challenge for the Australian side.

Brilliant batting performance by India

Talking about the match, asked to bat first and facing an early setback with the departures of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, Gaikwad, along with skipper Suryakumar Yadav, took charge to stabilise the innings. The duo’s 57-run partnership laid the foundation for Gaikwad’s exceptional innings. 

After the captain’s departure, Gaikwad shifted gears dramatically, showcasing an array of exquisite strokes en route to his century. In a pivotal partnership with Tilak Varma, Gaikwad forged an unbeaten 141-run stand for the 4th wicket. His relentless assault on the Australian bowlers, particularly Aaron Hardie and Glenn Maxwell, saw him plundering 25 runs in the 18th over and another 30 runs in the final over. 

The display of power-hitting and impeccable timing left the Australian bowlers grappling, paving the way for India’s dominance in the match. The Chennai Super Kings’s star opener stellar performance not only secured India a formidable total but also positioned them favorably for a series win. As fans showered praise on Gaikwad for his memorable century, cricket fans eagerly await the remaining action in the series, anticipating more fireworks from this emerging talent on the international stage.

Here’s how fans reacted: