Gaikwad gets Dhoni-like treatment as fan touches feet

NEW DELHI: In an unexpected turn of events, a pitch invader on Friday rushed onto the field and touched Ruturaj Gaikwad’s feet during the

Duleep Trophy

2024 clash between

India C

and

India D

at the RDT Stadium in Anantapur.
Gaikwad, leading India C, was caught off guard but remained composed as the fan expressed his admiration in this unique way.
As the fan touched his feet, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper gently helped him up and shook his hand.

This incident echoed a similar moment from IPL 2023, where a fan invaded the pitch during a Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings match in Ahmedabad to touch the feet of MS Dhoni.

Known for his massive fan following, Dhoni has often witnessed such moments of reverence from fans.
Now, Gaikwad, a 27-year-old rising star in Indian

cricket

and a protégé of Dhoni at CSK, seems to be drawing the same kind of adoration.
On Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy match, India D, led by

Shreyas Iyer, had a 202-run lead at stumps.
Despite a promising knock of 56 from Devdutt Padikkal and 54 from Iyer, India D were reeling at 206/8 in their second innings.
India C struggled in their first innings, being bowled out for 168, with Gaikwad contributing only five runs.
Gaikwad’s moment with the fan added a touch of unexpected drama to the intense contest.
As the Duleep Trophy progresses, the spotlight remains on Gaikwad’s leadership, as India C continue to battle against India D.