Batting at No. 5 for Maharashtra in their final league match against Goa, Gaikwad walked in with his side in deep trouble at 2 for 3. Showing composure under pressure, he steadied the innings before accelerating, forging a match-defining 108-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Vicky Ostwal. Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 134 off 131 balls, striking eight fours and six sixes, as Maharashtra recovered to post 249 for 7.

The knock was historic. It was Gaikwad’s 15th century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, drawing him level with long-time record holder Ankit Bawne for the most hundreds in the tournament’s history. Notably, Gaikwad reached the milestone in just 59 innings, compared to Bawne’s 94.

Most Vijay Hazare centuries

• Ruturaj Gaikwad – 15

• Ankit Bawne – 15

• Devdutt Padikkal – 13

• Mayank Agarwal – 13

The innings also marked Gaikwad’s 20th List A hundred, achieved in only 95 innings, making him the fastest to the landmark. During the knock, the 28-year-old crossed 5,000 List A runs at record speed and lifted his average to 58.83 — the highest among batters with at least 50 List A innings, eclipsing the mark held by Australian great Michael Bevan.

The timing could hardly have been sharper. Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century for India last month but missed selection for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11 in Baroda, following Shreyas Iyer’s return to fitness. The omission sparked debate among former players and analysts — a debate Gaikwad’s latest innings has only intensified.