The talented right-hander decided to open the innings with Siddhesh Veer. But the plan backfired when Shardul Thakur dismissed him in the first over. Ruturaj Gaikwad edged a ball to Ayush Mhatre at gully and the catch was easily taken. He was out for a silver duck, falling on just his second delivery.

Ruturaj was optimistic of making it big in this game. He had been in contention for a berth in the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting on 22 November. A good performance against the defending champions Mumbai would have gone a long way to seal the deal in his favor.

In an interesting turn of events, Ruturaj Gaikwad opened the innings after his 86 off 130 balls with 13 boundaries was his fluent batting at No. 4 in the previous game against Jammu and Kashmir. Having picked Ruturaj’s wicket, Mumbai capitalized and reduced Maharashtra to 41/5 inside 10 overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is a contender for the Border Gavaskar Trophy:

Ruturaj, who is vying for a spot in India’s squad for the forthcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy, which kicks off on November 22, would have hoped for a high score in this match.

The other player most prominently competing for a slot in the Indian team on the Australia tour is Abhimanyu Easwaran. He has been doing very well with four centuries under his belt for the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, and Ranji Trophy.

Easwaran regained his form in the second inning with an impressive 127* off 172 balls, with 12 boundaries. Bengal will face Bihar in the second round and hopes Easwaran remains in good nick.

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