Duleep Trophy 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad Returns to Bat after being Retired Hurt early in India C Match

Ruturaj Gaikwad has suffered an injury in the ongoing Duleep Trophy Round 2 match. The India C captain's batting was shortlived at the crease on Day 1 of their match against India B.

Gaikwad, who is playing the match in Anantapur, scored a boundary in his very first ball off Mukesh Kumar. But in the next ball, he was injured and was taken off.

Why was Ruturaj Gaikwad Retired Hurt?

The exact cause of Gaikwad's injury remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet issued an official statement. But as per reports, the batter twisted his ankle and was Retired Hurt due to that. The player was also visibly in distress after the injury.

When will Ruturaj Gaikwad return?

Although there were suspicions of a serious injury, Ruturaj Gaikwad has come out to bat. The India C captain currently is batting on 46* runs off 50 balls and has already hit 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Despite losing Ruturaj Gaikwad early, India C has made a superb start to the match. Ishan Kishan scored a fantastic century, whereas Baba Indrajith also scored 78 runs.

At the close of play on Day 1, India C reached currently 357 for 5 in 79 overs. Gaikwad and Manav Suthar shared an unbeaten stand of 12 off 17 deliveries and will resume batting for their team on Day 2 on Friday (September 13).

Earlier in the day, India B captain Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and invited India C skipper, Gaikwad, to bat first. Rajat Patidar - who scored 40 off 67 deliveries - shared a valuable partnership with opener Sai Sudharshan after Gaikwad retired hurt early in the innings. Patidar was dismissed by Mukesh Kumar and the scoreboard read 96-1.

Sudharshan became Navdeep Saini's victim for 43 off 75 balls soon after as India C were 97/2. But it was wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan who stole the show with the bat on Day 1 with his sensational century.

Kishan - who is looking to make his India comeback smashed 111 off 126 deliveries - shared a partnership of 189 for the third wicket with Baba Aparajith (78 off 136) and brought their team into the game.