Ruturaj Gaikwad's early exit from Duleep Trophy sparks live coverage debate and BCCI criticism

Rajat Patidar took over from Gaikwad in the middle and partnered with Sai Sudharsan as India C got off to a strong start. Despite losing their captain early on, the duo formed a solid partnership, adding 92 runs together. Patidar was eventually dismissed by Navdeep Saini for 41, followed by Sudharsan who fell to Mukesh Kumar in the next over after scoring 43.

The quick wickets brought Ishan Kishan and Baba Indrajith into the crease. There was no sign of Gaikwad till lunch on day 1. The only reliable source of live updates for the match was the BCCI website as there was no live coverage of this match, which was taking place at at the Rural Development Trust Stadium “B” in Anantapur.

The other second-round match between India A and India D, which is being played in the "A" ground of the same venue, was, however, televised by Jio Cinema and Sports 18 network.

This left the fans disappointed as the criticised the BCCI for not being able to ensure live coverage for both the matches.

Gaikwad, who did not have a great outing in the Duleep Trophy opener against India D, scoring 5 and 46 in his two attempts, would be hoping the injury is not serious and he gets to return to the crease soon as these matches are extremely crucial for him to get his spot back in the Indian Test squad.

Gaikwad's international career has been a stop-and-start one. He has been there and there about in the T20I and ODI teams but hasn't quite been able to cement his place at the top of the order. He only gets to play when regulars Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill are unavailable. As far as red-ball cricket is concerned, Gaikwad has been away from the setup ever since he was ruled out of the South Africa tour with a finger injury. Earlier, he was picked for the West Indies but did not get to play as Yashasvi Jaiswal was preferred over him.

Gaikwad has yet to make his Test debut.