IND vs AUS T20Is | Ruturaj Gaikwad — racking up the runs in true classical style, with a touch of artistry

Ruturaj Gaikwad's roller-coaster of emotions in five nights: from diamond duck to a shining 123* in Guwahati. Maxwell's 104* (SR 216.66) eclipsed Gaikwad's 215.78, but the India opener's classical style was a delight to watch. He took India past 220, despite two early wickets, and praised Maxwell's innings. Gaikwad's sparkling hundred shows the future is bright for India's top order.

From a diamond duck to a knock that shone bright as a diamond. It must have been a roller-coaster of emotions for Ruturaj Gaikwad within a space of five nights.

The stylish India opener’s 123 not out (57b) at the ACA Stadium here on Tuesday was eclipsed by yet another stunning onslaught towards the end by that incredible talent called Glenn Maxwell, who is going through an incredible run; he took Australia to a five-wicket win in the second T20I.

Maxwell’s unbeaten 104 was scored at a strike-rate of 216.66, marginally better than Gaikwad’s 215.78. If the Australian made some of the runs with those unorthodox yet hugely productive shots of his, the Indian scored most of his runs in true classical style, with a touch of artistry.

Gaikwad is a delight to watch. Even in the mad world of modern white-ball batting, with the V behind the stumps becoming as important as the traditional one in front — something the likes of Maxwell and Suryakumar Yadav remind us — he is refreshing, regardless of the format.

As he showed in his maiden T20I hundred, he could get his runs fast without compromising his style. When it wasn’t too easy to bat — and India was off to a poor start losing two in-form batters — he played within himself, scoring at just a run-a-ball, but then pressed the accelerator to take India past 220, which would probably have been enough against a Maxwell-less team.

“Initially I thought it was a bit tacky, the ball was stopping a little, and there was some movement in the air and off the pitch,” Gaikwad said. “You cannot lose three wickets in the PowerPlay. Knowing that Surya was there and that he would play his shots, my plan was simple: that I would bat (quietly) for some time and then take the innings forward.”

He praised the night’s other century-maker. “I think Maxwell batted really well, and to win from a situation where they needed 100 from seven or seven-and-a-half overs, and then 50 from three, it was a creditable innings from him,” he said.