From being brought up in a middle class family to captaining one of the most successful franchises with a myriad of a fanbase-the Chennai Super Kings, his journey is nothing short of an inspiration. So, buckle up to know about one of the most humble cricketers, Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The acclaimed cricketer hails from Pune, Maharashtra. He born to Savita and Dasharath Gaikwad. His mother, a school teacher at that time, often brought himalong to her workplace. This early exposure ignited his passion for cricket, as he began honing his skills with peers on the school grounds. Recognizing his innate talent for the sport, his father, an official at the DRDO, wholeheartedly encouraged his cricketing pursuits.
At 13, he enrolled at the prestigious Dilip Vengsarkar Cricket Academy located in Pimpri, Pune. In his formative days at the academy, his coach advised him to keep a diary chronicling his errors and shortcomings. This approach spurred significant enhancements in his cricketing style and technique. Ruturaj's journey hit a rough patch during the Under 14 selection, where despite his impeccable talent, he found himself unable to showcase his abilities effectively. Disheartened but undeterred, Ruturaj made a pivotal decision—to channel his disappointment into determination. Rather than allowing setbacks to define him, he committed himself to relentless practice and self-improvement.
He marked his List A debut for Maharashtra during the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy on February 25, 2017, scoring 444 runs in the tournament, and emerging the third highest run getter. Subsequently, he demonstrated his batting prowess while representing India A, India B, India Blue, Maharashtra, and India U-23 as well.
His glorious domestic cricket knocks allured the eyes of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, securing his services in the auction. His swashbuckling performance in the IPL earned him the prestigious Emerging Player of the Year award during the 2021 season. On the back of a stellar IPL career, he made his wayto international cricket, leading the Indian team to clinch the gold at the Asian Games. Recognizing his immense potential and leadership qualities, he was entrusted with the captaincy of the CSK franchise in the 17th edition of the IPL.
Ruturaj's rise to fame is a testament to his unwavering perseverance and relentless hard work. Besides his remarkable achievements on the field, Ruturaj embodies humility; In essence, Ruturaj's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with the right mindset and devoted determination, one can surmount any challenge.
