Ruturaj Gaikwad Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career

Ruturaj Gaikwad has emerged as one of the most promising young cricketers from India. With elegant stroke-play, impressive domestic and IPL performances, and a growing international presence, Ruturaj has quickly become a household name among cricket fans. In this post, we explore his biography, family background, career highlights, net worth, and significance in modern cricket.

Biography

Early Life and Family Background

Ruturaj Dashrat Gaikwad was born on 31 January 1997 in Pune, Maharashtra, India. He comes from a middle‑class Maharashtrian family. His father, Dashrat Gaikwad, worked at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while his mother, Savita Gaikwad, was a teacher at a municipal school. His native village is Pargaon Memane in the Saswad area of Pune district. Marathi is his mother tongue.

Education

For schooling, Ruturaj attended St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Khadki, Pune. Later he studied at Lakashmibai Nadgude School in Pimple Nilakh, Pune. After school, he completed his college education at Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s Polytechnic in Pune.

Personal Life

As of 2025, Ruturaj is 28 years old. He is married to fellow cricketer Utkarsha Pawar, and the two tied the knot in June 2023. His physical attributes include a height of 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) and weight around 70 kg.

From humble beginnings in Pune, with supportive parents and disciplined upbringing, Ruturaj’s journey into cricket began at a young age, laying the foundation for his future success.

Career Overview

Early Career & Domestic Cricket

Ruturaj joined the Varroc Dilip Vengsarkar Academy in Thergaon, Pune at the age of 13 — a move that kickstarted his formal cricketing journey. He rose through the age‑group ranks of Maharashtra (U‑16, U‑19, U‑22) before making his senior debut.

His first-class debut came on 6 October 2016 for Maharashtra in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy. He made his T20 debut for Maharashtra on 2 February 2017, and his List A debut on 25 February 2017 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Early in his domestic career, he impressed with high scores, including a notable 306-run innings in a Maharashtra invitational tournament.

Over time, he became a consistent run-scorer. In one edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored over 600 runs with four centuries — equalling a record previously held by top Indian cricketers. Notably, in November 2022 during a Vijay Hazare Trophy quarter-final, Ruturaj hit seven sixes in a single over, a rare feat in professional cricket. By the 2022–23 Vijay Hazare Trophy final, he had become the all-time record holder for most centuries in the tournament’s history.

Indian Premier League (IPL) and Franchise Cricket

Ruturaj was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for just ₹20 lakh ahead of his first IPL season. With his consistent performances, CSK retained him from 2021 onward — reportedly at ₹6 crore per season (as of 2024). As an opener for CSK, he became a key player, with his aggressive yet composed batting style making him a fan favourite.

International Career

In December 2018, Ruturaj was selected for the Indian under-23 side for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. In June 2019, he scored an unbeaten 187 runs for India A against Sri Lanka A, earning the Player of the Match award.

He made his T20I debut on 28 July 2021 against Sri Lanka and his ODI debut on 6 October 2022 against South Africa. In 2023, he was named in India’s Test squad for the first time for the away series against West Indies signalling that selectors are considering him for red-ball cricket.

Recent Roles & Leadership

For the 2024–25 season, Ruturaj was named captain of the India C team in the Duleep Trophy. Later, he was appointed vice-captain of the Rest of India team for the 2025–26 Irani Cup. In domestic first‑class matches, he continued to deliver strong performances, earning “Player of the Match” awards.

Through domestic, franchise, and international cricket, Ruturaj has steadily built a reputation as a technically sound, stylish, and reliable batsman with leadership potential.

Controversies and Criticisms

As of 2025, there are no major public controversies directly associated with Ruturaj Gaikwad that have substantially marred his reputation. Most discussions around him revolve around a different kind of criticism: lack of consistent national selection, not his conduct or off-field issues.

While fans often debate his limited international opportunities, there is no documented scandal or misconduct against him. Instead, the critique is about cricketing politics, timing, and competition not character.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

As of 2025, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s net worth is estimated at ₹35–36 crore (approximately US$4–4.3 million).

Sources of Income

• IPL Salary: He earns a significant part of his income from playing for CSK, reportedly ₹6 crore per season.
• Domestic & International Cricket: Match fees, performance bonuses, and any central contracts contribute to his earnings.
• Endorsements & Brand Deals: Ruturaj has multiple brand endorsements supplementing his income.
• Assets & Lifestyle: He reportedly purchased a house in Pune for around ₹8 crore and owns luxury vehicles, reflecting his growing wealth.

His rising cricket career, stable IPL contract, endorsements, and prudent investments contribute to a comfortable financial standing.

Legacy and Significance

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s journey represents the path of a modern Indian cricketer rising through domestic ranks to international limelight. His significance lies in several areas:

• Consistency in Domestic Cricket: With record-breaking performances in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and impressive Ranji seasons, he has shown that domestic cricket remains a formidable path to success.
• Impact in Franchise Cricket (IPL): For CSK, he has become a dependable top-order batsman — blending classical stroke play with modern aggression.
• Potential for National Team: With T20I and ODI appearances, and inclusion in Test squads, Ruturaj embodies the kind of all-format batsman India could rely on.
• Inspiration for Aspiring Cricketers: Coming from a non-cricketing family and rising through academies and state cricket, his story inspires many youngsters.

Ruturaj Gaikwad stands as a compelling example of dedication, discipline, and talent and his career is still unfolding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was Ruturaj Gaikwad born?
Ruturaj Gaikwad was born on 31 January 1997.

How old is Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2025?
He is 28 years old.

Which teams has Ruturaj Gaikwad played for?
He has played domestic cricket for Maharashtra, franchise cricket for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, and represented India in T20Is and ODIs.

What is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting style?
He is a right‑handed opening batsman.

What is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is estimated at ₹35–36 crore (US$4–4.3 million) as of 2025.

Is Ruturaj Gaikwad married?
Yes, he married fellow cricketer Utkarsha Pawar in June 2023.

What are some of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s notable records?
He holds the record for most centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and once hit seven sixes in a single over, including a no-ball.

Conclusion

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s rise from a young boy playing at a local academy in Pune to a celebrated cricketer for domestic, franchise, and national teams is a story of talent meeting opportunity. His solid technique, temperament, and consistency have made him a key figure in Indian cricket’s next generation. With growing experience and opportunity, Ruturaj has the potential to leave a lasting legacy as a prolific batsman and dependable all-format player shaping the future of Indian cricket.