In the second-round match of the 2024 Duleep Trophy between India C and India B, India C captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was forced to retire hurt after facing just two deliveries. Gaikwad had started with a boundary on his first ball but was hit on the hand by a delivery from Mukesh Kumar on Day 1 of the match in Anantapur, leaving him in visible pain. The exact nature of his injury remains unclear, but reports suggest that the blow to his hand may have caused his departure.
Gaikwad’s early exit was a setback for India C, but Rajat Patidar replaced him and joined his opening partner Sai Sudharsan in the middle. The two batters put together a solid partnership, adding 92 runs for the second wicket. Patidar was eventually bowled by Navdeep Saini for 41, followed by Sudharsan, who was dismissed by Mukesh Kumar for 43 in the next over. Despite the quick loss of wickets, Ishan Kishan and Baba Indrajith managed to steady the ship for India C.
Duleep Trophy 2024-25: Ruturaj Gaikwad Forced to Retire on Second Ball, BCCI Criticised
What added to the frustration for fans was the lack of live coverage for this particular match. While the other second-round match between India A and India D was being televised by Jio Cinema and Sports 18, the India C vs India B game was not, leaving fans reliant on the BCCI website for live updates. Many fans criticized the BCCI for failing to provide live coverage for both matches, especially given the importance of these games in the domestic cricket calendar.
Here are some comments posted by frustrated fans on X:
Gaikwad, who had a relatively quiet outing in the Duleep Trophy opener against India D with scores of 5 and 46, will be hoping that his injury isn’t serious, allowing him to return to the crease soon. These matches are crucial for him as he looks to regain his spot in the Indian Test squad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s international career has been inconsistent, with limited opportunities in T20I and ODI formats. He often finds himself on the bench when regular players like Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill are available. In red-ball cricket, he has been out of the setup since missing the South Africa tour due to a finger injury, and he will be eager to perform in the Duleep Trophy to keep his name in contention for future selections.
Also read: Is CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad Playing in Duleep Trophy 2024-25?
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