Picture Credit: IPL/Twitter
The second phase of IPL 2021 has not been too kind to batsmen with the bowlers absolutely dominating in UAE. However, there has been one opener who has not been affected by anything that's been happening around him. CSK's youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has absolutely taken the tournament by storm with his brilliant batting, took things to a whole new level on Saturday.
During the match against Rajasthan Royals, the right-handed batsman played one of the most magical knocks ever seen in the history of the tournament. Gaikwad planned his innings to perfection and went on to score 101* off 60 deliveries, smashing 9 boundaries and 5 sixes in the process. As he reached his maiden IPL ton, he became the youngest centurion for CSK at the age of 24 years and 244 days.
Gaikwad reached his century in style
The stylish batsman played some glorious shots during his innings which left everyone in awe of him. However, it looked like he would fell just short of a well-deserved century with Ravindra Jadeja taking most of the strike in final few overs.
With 5 runs away from the landmark, Gaikwad was back on strike for the last two balls. After missing out on the first delivery, Gaikwad needed a six to reach the 100-run mark and he did it in style as he smashed a huge 108m six over deep mid-wicket, taking his side's total to 189/4 in 20 overs.
Watch the video here:
I knew it was six off the last ball: Ruturaj Gaikwad
"I think the wicket was holding a bit initially, the fast bowlers were bowling really well. The plan was if I could bat till 13-14 overs, I could capitalize later. I'm looking to just time the ball and hold my shape, I wasn't looking to hit big. We were looking for 160, then I thought 170, then why not 180, and finally, we got 190. I timed the ball really well, the short boundary on the leg side meant I knew it was six off the last ball," Gaikwad said while speaking to Star Sports about his heroic knock.