Tamil Nadu batter Baba Indrajith has been ruled out of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 clash between India A and India C after suffering a hamstring injury. The injury occurred on Day 2 of the match at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur, on Friday, September 20.
The 30-year-old cricketer injured his left hamstring while attempting a quick single during the third ball of the 34th over. As he sprinted for the run, Indrajith suddenly grabbed his leg and collapsed in pain. Medical staff rushed to his aid, and he was carried off the field on a stretcher. Manav Suthar came in as a replacement. Prior to the injury, Indrajith had been in fine form, scoring 34 runs off 61 balls, which included five boundaries.
Indrajith’s absence is a significant blow to India C. He has been in excellent form throughout the Duleep Trophy, scoring a vital 72 runs in the first innings of India C’s Round 1 match against India D. He followed that up with a half-century in the next game against India B, scoring 78 runs off 136 balls.
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India A vs India C: Day 2 Highlights
India C, after winning the toss, elected to bowl first. The decision paid off early as Anshul Kamboj dismissed India A’s openers, Pratham Singh and Mayank Agarwal, for just six runs each. Vijaykumar Vyshak added to India A’s troubles by taking two more wickets, leaving the team reeling at 36 for 5.
However, Shashwat Rawat rescued the innings with a brilliant knock of 124 runs off 250 balls, including 15 boundaries. Contributions from Shams Mulani (44), Avesh Khan (51*), and Prasidh Krishna (34) helped India A post a respectable total of 297 runs in their first innings.
In response, India C struggled against a disciplined India A bowling attack. Key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, and Ishan Kishan all fell cheaply, leaving their side in a precarious position. Baba Indrajith looked steady but had to retire hurt after scoring 34.
Abishek Porel provided much-needed stability for India C with a solid 82 off 113 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Despite his efforts, India C could only muster 234 runs in their first innings, trailing by 63 runs. Avesh Khan and Aaqib Khan were the standout bowlers for India A, taking three wickets each.
At the end of Day 3, India A holds a lead of 105 runs, with the score at 38 for 3 in their second innings. India C will need to mount a significant effort to claw back into the game as they face an uphill battle in the remaining days.
Baba Indrajith’s injury leaves India C in a vulnerable position, as his presence in the middle order will be missed in the second innings. His participation in the remainder of the Duleep Trophy remains uncertain, with further medical assessments expected in the coming days.
With the match heading into a decisive phase, both teams will be eager to capitalize on key moments, but India A appears to have the upper hand as the contest progresses.
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