The Buchi Babu Trophy, one of India's oldest invitational red-ball competitions--continues to provide valuable match practice for domestic teams ahead of the Ranji Trophy season.
Revived in 2023 after a long break, the tournament brings together top state sides in a compact format that ensures results with limited overs per innings.
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In its 2025 edition, Maharashtra came into their third-round game against Himachal Pradesh still looking for their first win, having suffered one loss and one draw.
Ruturaj Gaikwad leads from the front for Maharashtra
Batting at No.3 after Maharashtra won the toss and opted to bat at the TI Murugappa ground, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad looked in fine touch. He reached his half-century off 59 balls - keeping the scoreboard moving with well-timed strokes.
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Gaikwad carried that momentum into the second session - closing in on three figures before tea. He eventually brought up a century off 131 deliveries and was dismissed after scoring 133 runs including six sixes.
Bro didn't celebrate his century 😭 pic.twitter.com/iXmMrGGCVD
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) August 26, 2025
According to updates from the ground, the CSK captain walked off with his side in a strong position heading into the final session of day one.
The Buchi Babu Trophy has a long-standing reputation as a proving ground for top Indian players. Each team in the competition plays three league matches, and the structure is designed to ensure results: 90 overs per side in the first innings and 45 in the second.
For Maharashtra, Gaikwad's century could not only set up their first win of the campaign but also give the team much-needed momentum in a tournament that still carries weight in India's domestic calendar.