Duleep Trophy Semifinal: Ruturaj Gaikwad Slams Hundred, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer Fail

Ruturaj Gaikwad marked his return to red-ball spotlight with a commanding century on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy semifinal, even as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer failed to make an impact.

Playing for West Zone against Central Zone, Gaikwad walked in early at 10 for 2 after Khaleel Ahmed and Deepak Chahar struck with the new ball. He first steadied the innings with Aarya Desai, then shared useful stands with Iyer and Shams Mulani before finding strong support in Tanush Kotian.

By stumps, Gaikwad was unbeaten on 180, already eyeing his maiden double ton. His partnership of 138 runs with Kotian (47*) has given West Zone control after a shaky start. This was Gaikwad’s eighth first-class century, coming soon after a ton in the Buchi Babu Trophy.

For Central, Khaleel was the standout bowler, dismissing both marquee batters, Jaiswal and Iyer. Jaiswal cracked a boundary first ball before falling for 4, while Iyer looked fluent in his 25 but was bowled by Khaleel.

West Zone will look to build on Gaikwad’s effort on Day 2, while Central will hope for quick wickets to claw back into the contest.