Abu Dhabi: Ruturaj Gaikwad's impeccable 101 runs from 60 balls powered Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to 189-4 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.
Gaikwad struck as many as nine fours and five sixes to make a mockery of Royals' bowling attack in their 12th round encounter. Some of his shots in the off-side region would be remembered for times to come.
Faf du Plessis (25 off 19) too contributed as the opening partnership completely demolished the already battered and struggling Rajasthan Royals' side. Ravindra Jadeja scored a quickfire 32 from 15 deliveries.
In fact, in the final over, Jadeja faced four deliveries, leaving Gaikwad with two deliveries and he pulled Mustafizur Rahman off the final delivery to complete the coveted landmark.
For the Royals, leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia (3/39 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler but his joy of getting three scalps was spoilt by Gaikwad with two back-to-back sixes -- one over long-off and other into the sightscreen.
The sixes over mid-wicket off left-arm seamers Akash Singh and Mustafizur were delightful as it landed at least 20 yards behind the ropes into the grass banks.
The Punekar is not someone who is muscular but a "strong core" (according to him) and stable base allows him to maintain shape while going for the big shots as Royals found out on the day.