India, Sept. 4 -- India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad roared back to form on his return to action in the ongoing Duleep Trophy as he smashed a century on Day 1 of the second semifinal between West Zone and Central Zone at BCCI's Centre of Excellence Ground B in Bengaluru. It was Gaikwad's eighth career First-Class century, en route to 184 off 206, and it came in his first appearance since being ruled out of the IPL 2025 with an injury.

The Chennai Super Kings captain had suffered an elbow fracture during the IPL season earlier this year and was ruled out. MS Dhoni was named interim lead for the remainder of the campaign, during which the five-time champions finished at the bottom of the table.

Gaikwad was then picked in the India A squad for t...