In a dramatic turn of events during the Duleep Trophy, Ruturaj Gaikwad was forced to retire after facing just two balls. This incident has ignited a heated debate over the live coverage of the match and has drawn significant criticism towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Gaikwad’s brief appearance at the crease ended abruptly, leading to widespread discussions about the adequacy and quality of the live coverage provided. The incident has raised concerns about the level of attention given to key moments in the game and the overall broadcasting standards.

The BCCI has come under fire for its handling of the situation, with critics pointing out the need for improved coverage and better management of such critical moments in the tournament. The controversy highlights ongoing issues within cricket broadcasting and the need for more effective oversight to ensure fair and comprehensive coverage of all matches.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Retires Hurt Early in Duleep Trophy Match; BCCI Faces Backlash Over Live Coverage
In an unexpected turn of events during the Duleep Trophy second-round match between India C and India B, Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of India C, was forced to retire hurt after just two balls. Gaikwad, who had initially made an impressive start with a boundary on his first ball, faced a setback that saw him leave the field prematurely.
Gaikwad’s Early Departure
The exact reason for Gaikwad’s departure remains unclear, but early reports suggest he may have sustained an injury from a delivery by Mukesh Kumar. On the first day of the match, held at the Rural Development Trust Stadium “B” in Anantapur, Gaikwad was seen grimacing in pain after being struck on the hand by Kumar’s delivery. The injury led to Gaikwad’s sudden retirement, prompting Rajat Patidar to take his place at the crease.
Patidar joined forces with Sai Sudharsan, Gaikwad’s opening partner. Despite the early loss of their captain, the pair established a strong 92-run partnership, which was pivotal in setting a solid foundation for India C. Unfortunately, their stand was disrupted when Patidar was dismissed by Navdeep Saini for 41 runs. Sudharsan, who had also contributed significantly, was dismissed shortly after for 43 runs by Mukesh Kumar.
With the quick fall of wickets, Ishan Kishan and Baba Indrajith came to the crease. Their efforts were crucial in maintaining the momentum for India C, though Gaikwad’s absence remained a notable concern throughout the day.
Coverage Issues and Fan Discontent
As the match progressed, the absence of Gaikwad became a focal point for fans and commentators alike. Adding to the frustration was the lack of live coverage for this particular game. The only updates were available via the BCCI website, which provided limited information and did not fully capture the live action.
In stark contrast, the other second-round match between India A and India D, held on the “A” ground of the same venue, enjoyed full television coverage. This match was broadcasted live on Jio Cinema and the Sports 18 network, which only highlighted the disparity in coverage between the two games.
Fans expressed their disappointment over the BCCI’s inability to ensure live coverage for both matches. The oversight led to widespread criticism, as many felt that both matches should have been equally represented to provide a comprehensive viewing experience for cricket enthusiasts. The lack of live coverage not only affected fan engagement but also sparked debates about the effectiveness of the BCCI’s broadcasting arrangements.

The BCCI’s Response and Future Implications
The BCCI’s response to the criticism has been scrutinized as fans and experts call for better management and more inclusive coverage of all matches. Ensuring consistent and reliable live broadcasts is crucial for maintaining the sport’s popularity and keeping fans connected with the action on the field.
The incident has also raised questions about the priorities in sports broadcasting and the need for improvements in how domestic tournaments are covered. As the Duleep Trophy continues, stakeholders and fans alike hope for more equitable treatment in terms of live coverage, ensuring that all matches receive the attention they deserve.
In summary, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s early retirement and the subsequent live coverage issues have cast a shadow over this round of the Duleep Trophy. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by cricket administrators in balancing regulatory concerns with fan expectations, highlighting the need for more robust and inclusive broadcasting solutions in the future.
BCCI slammed by fans for not ensuring live coverage of Duleep Trophy match between India C and India B
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had a mixed performance in the Duleep Trophy opener against India D with scores of 5 and 46, will be hoping that his recent injury is not severe and that he can return to the field soon. These matches are crucial for him as he aims to secure a spot back in the Indian Test squad.
Gaikwad’s international career has been inconsistent. He has had sporadic appearances in the T20I and ODI teams but has struggled to establish a permanent position at the top of the order. His chances largely depend on the availability of regular players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
In Test cricket, Gaikwad has been out of the setup since he was ruled out of the South Africa tour due to a finger injury. Although he was selected for the West Indies tour, he did not get to play as Yashasvi Jaiswal was chosen over him. Gaikwad will need to make the most of upcoming opportunities to solidify his place in the Indian Test team.
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