Ruturaj Gaikwad, a name synonymous with elegance, grit, and consistent run-scoring, has carved a niche for himself in the Indian cricket fraternity. Following his domestic career playing for the Maharashtrian cricket team, Ruturaj has now evolved to become the captain of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024.
Fans of the cricketer have been curious to learn details about his personal life, growth, and future endeavors. If you are one of them, be assured that you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will explore more about Ruturaj Gaikwad, his rise to fame in his cricketing career, and a closer look at his net worth.
Overview
| Full name | Ruturaj Dasharath Gaikwad |
| Nickname | Ruthu |
| Date of birth | January 31, 1997 |
| Birth place | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Professional | Cricketer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Parents | Father – Dasharath GaikwadMother – Sawita Gaikwad |
| Married | Yes |
| Spouse’s name | Utkarsha Pawar |
| Education | Bachelor’s from Marathvada Mitra Mandal’s Polytechnic College |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| IPL cricket debut | 2020 |
| International debut | T20 – 2021ODI – 2022 |
| Height | 175 cm or 5’9” |
| Body measurements | Chest – 40”, Waist – 30” |
| Eye color | Dark brown |
| Hair color | Black |
Early Life and Beginnings
Ruturaj Gaikwad was born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra, to Dasharath Gaikwad and Sawita Gaikwad, former employees of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Growing up in a well-settled family, Ruturaj was instilled with the values of hard work and resilience.
Seeing their son show interest in cricket and have quite the talent for it, his parents pushed Ruturaj to get formal training as he grew up. However, while his parents encouraged him to play cricket, they also emphasized the importance of academics.
After completing his education, Ruturaj enrolled in Marathvada Mitra Mandal’s Polytechnic College, pursuing a bachelor’s degree. However, during that time, he excelled in his cricketing journey and acquired a lot of recognition at the club level.
Later, in 2016, things changed drastically for Ruturaj when he was selected to play at Maharashtra’s first-class level. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
Cricketing Career and Rise to Fame
Not many know this, but Ruturaj’s rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. He worked hard through the initial phases, especially when playing a domestic career for the Maharashtra cricket team.
Domestic Career
With his innate cricketing talent and attention to detail, it didn’t take Ruturaj long to chase his dreams and acquire steady growth in his cricketing career. His ability to anchor the innings and strategic strokes somehow put him in front of the right scouts, skyrocketing his fame.
During the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ruturaj stood out as a brilliant addition, scoring the highest runs at the league stage. These consistencies during his domestic career run would later contribute to his popularity in the IPL career.
IPL Debut and Career Growth
While Ruturaj’s domestic career built the foundation for his cricketing career, the Indian Premier League would change his career for the better.
It was during the 2019 IPL that Chennai Super Kings secured Ruturaj for a base price of Rs. 20 lakhs. That was the steady growth of his cricketing career on an international level. Getting to play alongside Indian cricketing legends like MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina turned his career for the better.
However, despite the opportunities, Ruturaj’s initial IPL career faced many limitations. In 2021, with Faf du Plessis not being available for the initial matches, Ruturaj stepped up to the occasion. During his match against Rajasthan Royals, he scored high enough to not only let CSK win the match but become the tournament’s leading run-scorer. This put him on the map and in the hearts of Indian cricket fans.
Later in 2022, CSK retained Ruturaj for a whopping Rs. 6 crore, and he would eventually become a batting sensation on the field. In July 2023, Ruturaj was appointed the captain of Chennai Super Kings.
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International Debut
Given his impactful cricketing career in IPL 2021, Ruturaj made his international cricketing debut in July 2021 against Sri Lanka.
In June 2022, he scored his maiden T20I half-century against South Africa, showcasing his growing confidence and ability to perform at the highest level. Not just that, he later donned the vice-captain hat during the T20 match series against Ireland and later against two matches against Australia in 2023.
In July 2023, Gaikwad was entrusted with the captaincy of the Indian T20I team for the 2022 Asian Games. Under his leadership, the team emerged victorious, adding another golden chapter to his cricketing journey.
Personal Life, Wife, and Relationship
Ruturaj Gaikwad is a dream on the cricket pitch, but his personal life is equally private. He has been married to his long-time partner, Utkarsha Pawar, since December 2023. The two of them had a very low-key and private marriage in Mahabaleshwar, inviting only their close friends and family members. It was also not highly publicized in the media.
According to multiple news and interviews, Ruturaj has exclaimed that he is a family person and loves spending time with his family when he is not on the field.
Net Worth
Multiple news and estimations surround Ruturaj Gaikwad’s net worth. However, most speculations indicate that Ruturaj has an estimated net worth of Rs. 36 crores, which is approximately USD 3.4 million. Most of his income comes from his professional cricketing journey and the endorsements he does on his social media platforms.
Facts about Ruturaj Gaikward
- Ruturaj was accoladed with the IPL Orange Cap during the 2021 IPL season for being the highest run scorer.
- He is a right-handed opening batsman.
- Ruturaj hit his maiden ODI half-century in September 2023 against Australia.
- According to speculations, Ruturaj is fond of South Indian foods, especially dosa for breakfast.
Conclusion
Ruturaj Gaikwad has an awe-inspiring and inspiring cricketing journey, one that is muddled with resilience, hard work, and strategic growth. He has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Pune to leading the mighty CSK. With the steady growth that Ruturaj has been gaining in his cricketing career, there’s so much more left to be explored in his cricketing journey in the future.
