Ruturaj Gaikwad Sets New Record for Highest List A Batting Average

Gaikwad Achieves Historic Milestone in List A Cricket

Ruturaj Gaikwad from Maharashtra has etched his name in cricket history by attaining the highest batting average in List A cricket. This achievement comes shortly after he was omitted from India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Gaikwad's remarkable average of 58.83 surpasses that of Australian cricket legend Michael Bevan, who held an average of 57.86. He accomplished this milestone during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) by scoring an unbeaten 134 runs off 131 balls against Goa in Jaipur.

Record-Breaking Achievements in Vijay Hazare Trophy

In addition to his average, Gaikwad has also set records as the fastest player to reach 20 centuries and 5,000 runs in List A cricket, achieving these milestones in just 99 innings. Despite being left out of the New Zealand ODI squad, Gaikwad has made a significant impact this season, scoring his second century and tying with Ankit Bawne for the most centuries in the tournament's history, with both players having 15 centuries each. Notably, Gaikwad reached this mark in only 59 matches, while Bawne took 101 matches.

Outstanding Statistics in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Gaikwad's impressive performance is not limited to centuries; his overall statistics in the VHT are equally remarkable. In 59 matches, he has accumulated 3,336 runs, boasting an impressive average of 65.41 and a strike rate of 105.00.

Crucial Performance Against Goa

In the match against Goa, Gaikwad's stellar innings of 134 not out, which included eight fours and six sixes, helped Maharashtra post a total of 249/7. Vicky Otswal contributed significantly with a score of 53 runs off 82 balls. In response, Goa's chase saw Lalit Yadav scoring an unbeaten 57 runs off 67 balls, but they ultimately fell short, finishing at 244/9, thanks to a remarkable four-wicket haul from Prashant Solanki (4/56).