Prasidh delivers as India A top Duleep Trophy table

India A- The champions of the Duleep Trophy. Source (X)

India A topped the table after an all-round performance and holding their nerve till the end, securing a 132-run victory over India C. Despite Sai Sudharsan’s brilliant 111, India C fell short, getting bowled out for 217. Meanwhile, India D registered their first points with a dominant 257-run win against India B, led by Arshdeep Singh’s standout bowling performance of 6/40.

India D began Day 4 at 244/5, with Ricky Bhui and Akash Sengupta at the crease. However, Navdeep Saini struck early, dismissing Sengupta, and Mukesh Kumar soon removed Saurabh Kumar. Despite the wickets falling around him, Bhui reached a well-deserved century, quickly taking India D into a strong position. After reaching 305, India D’s innings ended, giving themselves a solid opportunity to bowl out India B. Bhui remained unbeaten on 119.

Abhimanyu Easwaran and Narayan Jagadeesan began the run chase for India B, but despite a quick start, Jagadeesan was the first to fall, to Aditya Thakare. Suyash Prabhudessai and Musheer Khan followed soon, with Arshdeep and Thakare continuing to apply pressure. The in-form Easwaran was also dismissed by Arshdeep, and India B’s batting collapse accelerated before lunch. Post-lunch, key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Washington Sundar were dismissed, with Arshdeep and Thakare claiming more wickets. India B eventually crumbled to 115 all out, handing India D a commanding victory by 257 runs.

In the other fixture, Kumar Kushagra fell early for India A, dismissed by Gaurav Yadav. Avesh Khan lasted only one delivery, also falling to Yadav, prompting India A to declare their innings at 286. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Vijay Kumar Vyshak opened for India C, providing a steady start. However, moving Vyshak up the order backfired as he was run out in the 15th over. Gaikwad and Sudharsan then formed a crucial partnership, but Gaikwad was dismissed for 44, leaving India C at 113/2. Rajat Patidar joined Sudharsan but was cleaned up by Aaqib Khan just before tea.

Ishan Kishan couldn’t contribute much to the run chase, falling for 17, which added pressure on India C. A stunning catch by Mayank Agarwal off Tanush Kotian’s bowling sent Abishek Porel back for a duck. Despite wickets tumbling around him, Sudharsan looked in great form, nearing his century. Sudharsan eventually reached his hundred in fine style, but his dismissal by Prasidh Krishna in a crucial moment tilted the match in India A’s favor. With India C down to their last wicket and only a few minutes left to draw, it was Prasidh who sealed the win for India A, dismissing Anshul Kamboj to secure a thrilling victory.

Brief Scores

India D 349 & 305 (Ricky Bhui 119, Shreyas Iyer 50, Mukesh Kumar 4/98, Navdeep Saini 3/58) bt India B 282 & 115 (Arshdeep Singh 6/40, Aditya Thakare 4/59).

India A 297 and 286/8 decl bt India C 234 & 217 (Sai Sudharasn 111, Prasidh Krishna 3/50, Tanush Kotian 3/47).

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