Day 2 of the third round of the Duleep Trophy – India A versus India C and India B versus India D – began with high expectations for the overnight batters: Shashwat Rawat (India A) and Sanju Samson (India D). However, Rawat could only add two more runs before being dismissed, leaving Avesh Khan to take charge with an unbeaten 51*, guiding India A’s to a total of 297. Meanwhile, Samson reached a well-deserved century, scoring 106, before India D’s tail was cleaned up, finishing with 349 runs. By the end of the day, Abishek Porel’s gritty knock of 82 helped India C reach 216/7. On the other hand, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s sublime 116 was the highlight for India B, taking them to 210/6.
After India A was bowled out for 297, thanks to Vyshak Vijay Kumar’s stellar performance, picking up 4/51, India C’s run chase started shakily. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan opened the innings, but Aaqib Khan quickly dismissed Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar, leaving India C struggling at 29/2. Ishan Kishan, unable to find his rhythm, was bowled by Avesh Khan, adding more pressure on the batting order. The situation worsened when Sudharsan fell just before lunch, giving Aaqib his third wicket, and leaving India C in a difficult spot.
Abhishek Porel and Baba Indrajith played a crucial role in stabilizing India C’s innings after the early collapse. Porel showcased his aggressive intent, reaching his half-century off just 55 balls. Unfortunately, Indrajith had to retire hurt due to a pulled muscle, bringing Manav Suthar to the crease. However, Suthar couldn’t stay long, falling to Tanush Kotian just before tea. Post-tea, Porel continued to anchor the innings but fell short of a well-deserved hundred, dismissed by Shams Mulani while attempting a big shot. Mulani struck again soon after, claiming the wicket of Anshul Kamboj, further denting India C’s chase and leaving them 216/7 at the end of the day’s play.
In the other fixture, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Narayan Jagadeesan opened for India B in pursuit of 349. Jagadeesan was the first to fall, leaving India B at 24/1. Easwaran then built a brief partnership with Suyash Prabhudessai, but Saurabh Kumar trapped Prabhudessai in front. Musheer Khan followed but could only manage 5 runs before being caught lbw by Arshdeep Singh, who had initially struggled with his lengths. Despite the wickets falling around him, the positive for India B was Easwaran reaching his half-century, though he continued to lose partners.
India B’s troubles deepened as experienced batter Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for just 5 runs, once again by Arshdeep, who was proving to be a key figure. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s poor form continued as he was dismissed for a duck, again courtesy of Arshdeep, leaving India B struggling at 100/5. Washington Sundar then stepped in to join captain Easwaran, and together they provided much-needed stability. Sundar’s support allowed Easwaran to reach his second consecutive century for India B, a vital knock under pressure. However, despite their efforts to rebuild the innings, Easwaran was dismissed down the leg side by Aditya Thakare just before the close of play.
Brief Scores:
India B: 210/6 Abhimanyu Easwaran 116, Washington Sundar 39*, Arshdeep Singh 3/35 trail India D by 139 runs
India C 216/7: Abishekh Porel 82, Pulkit Narang 35, 3/43 Aaqib Khan 3/43 trail India A by 81 runs
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