On July 19, 2025, Ruturaj Gaikwad continues to shine as one of India’s most promising cricketers. His journey from a small village in Maharashtra to leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is inspiring. With his calm nature and stylish batting, he has won hearts across the country. This article tells the story of Ruturaj’s life, his family, his cricket career, and his achievements. Written in simple English, it aims to engage young readers and cricket fans who admire this talented player.
Early Life And Family
Ruturaj Gaikwad was born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra. He grew up in a simple, middle-class family. His father, Dashrath Gaikwad, worked for the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). His mother, Sawita Gaikwad, was a teacher at a local school. Ruturaj also has a sister, but not much is known about her. His parents supported his love for cricket from a young age. They never forced him to focus only on studies. Instead, they encouraged him to follow his passion. This support helped Ruturaj chase his dreams.
As a child, Ruturaj loved playing cricket in the streets of Pune. At the age of five, he watched a match between Australia and New Zealand in 2003. This experience sparked his passion for cricket. He started playing with a leather ball and showed great talent. By age 11, he joined the Vengsarkar Cricket Academy in Pune. The academy helped him improve his skills. His hard work and dedication made him stand out among other young players. Ruturaj’s early life was simple, but his love for cricket was extraordinary.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Age, Wiki, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Parents
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ruturaj Dashrath Gaikwad |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Family | Father: Dashrath Gaikwad (DRDO retired) Mother: Sawita Gaikwad (school teacher) Sister: Not much known Wife: Utkarsha Pawar (cricketer, married June 2023) |
| Education | St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Pune Marathvada Mitra Mandal’s Polytechnic, Pune |
| Early Cricket | Started playing at age 5 Joined Vengsarkar Cricket Academy at 11 Represented Maharashtra U-14, U-16 |
| Domestic Debut | First-Class: 2016–17 Ranji Trophy List A: 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy |
| Key Domestic Achievements | 306 runs in one match (2015) 444 runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2016–17 (3rd highest) Four centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021–22 Seven sixes in one over (2022, world record) |
| IPL Career | Team: Chennai Super Kings (since 2019) IPL Debut: 2020 Orange Cap: 2021 CSK Captain: 2024 IPL Runs (till 2025): 2,500+ (avg. 41.00) |
| International Debut | T20I: July 2021 vs Sri Lanka ODI: October 2022 vs South Africa |
| International Achievements | T20I Century: 123* vs Australia (2023) Led India to Asian Games gold (2023) T20I: 19 matches, 500 runs ODI: 6 matches, 115 runs |
| Records | Most centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy (12) Only batter to hit seven sixes in an over Fastest Indian to 1,000 & 2,000 IPL runs |
| Personal Life | Married Utkarsha Pawar, June 2023, Mahabaleshwar Lives in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune First from Pimpri-Chinchwad to play for India |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated ₹36 crore |
| Income Sources | IPL contract, BCCI contracts, endorsements |
| Assets | Owns luxury cars (BMW, Audi) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @ruturajgaikwad (5M+) Twitter: @Ruutu1331 |
| Jersey Number | 31 |
| Inspirations | Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Kane Williamson |
| Recent Updates (2025) | Signed with Yorkshire for English County season |
| Challenges | Early injuries (2016) Faced criticism (2022) Intense Indian team competition |
| Future Goals | Permanent spot in India’s white-ball teams Play Test cricket Lead CSK to more IPL titles |
Cricket Journey
Ruturaj’s cricket journey began in school. He studied at St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School in Pune. Later, he attended Marathvada Mitra Mandal’s Polytechnic. While studying, he focused on cricket. He played for Maharashtra’s Under-14 and Under-16 teams. His talent was clear from the start. He could hit the ball cleanly and play with confidence. Coaches noticed his ability to stay calm under pressure. This quality would later make him a star.
In 2010, at just 13 years old, Ruturaj scored 63 runs in a match for Vengsarkar Academy. His team won, and he was named Player of the Match. This moment boosted his confidence. In 2015, he made headlines by scoring 306 runs in a single match during the Maharashtra Invitational Tournament. This incredible performance showed his potential. Soon, he was selected for Maharashtra’s senior team. His journey to professional cricket had begun.
Domestic Cricket Success
Ruturaj made his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy. He was only 19 years old. The same year, he played his first List A match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In that tournament, he scored 444 runs in seven matches. This made him the third-highest run-scorer. People started talking about his elegant batting style. He could play safe shots but still score quickly. His ability to find gaps in the field amazed everyone.
In 2019, Ruturaj played for India A against Sri Lanka A. He scored an unbeaten 187 runs, proving his talent on a bigger stage. In the 2021–22 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he achieved something extraordinary. He scored four centuries in a single tournament, matching a record set by Virat Kohli. He also scored 603 runs, leading Maharashtra’s batting. In 2022, he made history by hitting seven sixes in one over during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. This was a world record. Ruturaj’s domestic performances made him a household name.
IPL Breakthrough with Chennai Super Kings
Ruturaj’s big break came in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2019, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought him for 20 lakh rupees. He did not play any matches that year. In 2020, he made his IPL debut but had a tough start. He was out for a duck on his first ball. However, CSK’s captain, MS Dhoni, believed in him. Ruturaj repaid this trust by scoring three half-centuries in his next three matches. His elegant strokeplay won fans’ hearts.
The 2021 IPL season was a turning point. Ruturaj scored 635 runs in 16 matches. He hit a century against Rajasthan Royals, scoring an unbeaten 101. He also scored four half-centuries. His runs helped CSK win the IPL title. Ruturaj won the Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer. He was also named the Emerging Player of the Year. CSK retained him for 6 crores before the 2022 season. In 2024, he became CSK’s captain, taking over from MS Dhoni. This was a huge honor for the young batter.
International Cricket Career
Ruturaj’s success in the IPL led to his international debut. In July 2021, he played his first T20 International (T20I) match against Sri Lanka. He struggled at first due to tough competition for the opening spot. In 2022, he scored his first T20I half-century against South Africa. Later that year, he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against South Africa. In 2023, he achieved a major milestone. He scored a century (123 not out) against Australia in a T20I match. This was the highest T20I score by an Indian against Australia.
In 2023, Ruturaj led India to a gold medal at the Asian Games. He became the first Indian captain to win a T20 tournament on his first attempt, after MS Dhoni. By 2025, he had played 19 T20Is, scoring 500 runs, and six ODIs, scoring 115 runs. Though he has not yet secured a permanent spot in the Indian team, his talent keeps him in the spotlight. Fans believe he will shine brighter in the future.
Personal Life And Values
Ruturaj is a private person. He keeps his personal life away from the media. In June 2023, he married Utkarsha Pawar, a cricketer who plays for Maharashtra. They were friends for a long time before getting married. Utkarsha is also passionate about cricket, and they support each other’s careers. Their wedding took place in Mahabaleshwar, and fans celebrated their bond. Ruturaj often shares moments with Utkarsha on social media, calling her his “whole world.”
Ruturaj comes from a Maharashtrian Hindu family. He values tradition and family support. His parents’ encouragement shaped his career. He lives in Madhuban Society in Pune’s Pimpri-Chinchwad area. His father, Dashrath, retired from a senior post in the DRDO. Ruturaj is the first cricketer from Pimpri-Chinchwad to play for India. His humility and calm nature make him a role model for young fans.
Achievements And Records
Ruturaj’s career is full of achievements. He holds the record for the most centuries (12) in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is the only batter to hit seven sixes in one over in professional cricket. In the IPL, he has scored over 2,500 runs with an average of 41.00. He is the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 and 2,000 IPL runs. His 2021 Orange Cap and Emerging Player awards are among his proudest moments. Leading India to a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games is another highlight.
Ruturaj admires cricketers like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Kane Williamson. His batting style is similar to theirs, focusing on timing and placement rather than power-hitting. MS Dhoni has praised his sharp cricketing brain. Ruturaj’s ability to stay calm under pressure makes him a great leader. In 2025, he signed with Yorkshire for the English County season, showing his growing global reputation.
Net Worth And Lifestyle
As of 2024, Ruturaj’s net worth is estimated at 36 crore rupees. His income comes from the IPL, BCCI contracts, and brand endorsements. He owns luxury cars like a BMW and an Audi, reflecting his success. On Instagram (@ruturajgaikwad), he has five million followers. He shares updates about his cricket, training, and family moments. On Twitter (@Ruutu1331), he connects with fans through motivational posts and match updates. His jersey number, 31, matches his birth date and is a fan favorite.
Challenges And Future
Ruturaj has faced challenges in his career. Injuries slowed him down early on. In 2016, he got injured during his first-class debut. He also faced criticism after declining to take a photo with a ground staff member in 2022. However, he learned from these moments and stayed focused. Competition for a spot in the Indian team is tough, with players like Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal leading the way. Still, Ruturaj’s consistency keeps him in the conversation.
Looking ahead, Ruturaj aims to cement his place in India’s white-ball teams. Fans hope to see him play Test cricket someday. As CSK’s captain, he carries the legacy of MS Dhoni. His calm leadership and elegant batting make him a player to watch. The future looks bright for this young star from Pune.
Conclusion
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s story is one of hard work, talent, and determination. From playing in the streets of Pune to leading CSK, he has come a long way. His family’s support, his disciplined approach, and his love for cricket have shaped his success. With records, awards, and a growing fan base, Ruturaj is a true gem of Indian cricket. As he continues to shine, fans eagerly await more magical moments from this rising star.