Ruturaj Gaikwad has evolved from a composed opener into the face of Chennai Super Kings’ next generation. Born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, he built his foundation at the Vengsarkar Cricket Academy before rising through Maharashtra’s domestic ranks. Since his IPL debut in 2020, Gaikwad has scored over 2,300 runs, including two centuries, and won the Orange Cap in 2021. Known for his ability to build innings and accelerate late, he blends classical technique with calculated aggression. Appointed CSK captain in 2024, Gaikwad represents continuity after MS Dhoni, combining leadership maturity with top-order consistency in high-pressure tournaments.