WATCH: Anantapur fan runs towards Ruturaj Gaikwad to touch latter’s feet during Duleep Trophy match, video goes viral

Ruturaj Gaikwad . (Photo Source: Twitter)

Day 2 of the first round fixture between India C and India D at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in  Anantapur was probably the first instance where skipper of the former, Ruturaj Gaikwad, experienced his first encounter with fan worship.

Gaikwad was fielding at mid-off during India D’s second innings with a panama hat on when a supporter breached the non-existent security at the venue to make his way towards the cricketer, while the bowler had almost started to run in and deliver. 

The zealous supporter, donning an Indian fan replica jersey, touched Gaikwad’s feat in a wholesome moment with the Pune-born almost placing his hand on him in a bid to bless him as the fan ran off towards the boundary fence post the act, jumping in unrestrained excitement at what he had managed to pull off.

The sentimental act recalled a particular incident which occurred with former Indian and ex-Chennai Super Kings skipper, MS Dhoni, during a game between CSK and the Gujarat Titans when a similar incident occurred with him. 

A gesture of Respect & Reverence
Look at the happiness of that Boy ❤️

CSK fans are crazy 💥#RuturajGaikwad #DuleepTrophy #CSK#MSDhoni#IPL2025 #GOAT#THEBOYZ pic.twitter.com/5kkCw34b4b

— Sportsbull (@Sportsbull98) September 7, 2024

As for the ongoing game, Gaikwad came back well in India C’s second essay with the bat with a steady 46-run knock. The knock came after being dismissed for a cheap score of just the five runs in the first innings, tentatively edging the ball by Harshit Rana into the hands of Atharva Taide, who took a comfortable catch in the slip cordon.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2024: Manav Suthar clinches seven wickets to wrap up India D on 236 in 2nd innings

Coming back to the last innings, India C looked in a comfortable position at the end of 40th over, requiring another 60 runs in over a day and a half remaining. Baba Indrajith (2*) and Abishek Porel (1*) were the two batters at the crease at the time of publishing.