India A, under the leadership of Mayank Agarwal, emerged as champions of the Duleep Trophy after defeating India C by 132 runs in a closely contested final. Despite Sai Sudarshan’s resilient century, India A’s bowlers, led by Prasidh Krishna, snatched victory from India C with just 3 overs to spare.
A Nail-Biting Finish
India C was aiming to salvage a draw to claim the title, but Prasidh Krishna’s late wickets ensured India A’s triumph. The thrilling match saw India C crumble under pressure, with Sai Sudarshan’s 111-run knock being the only silver lining for the team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. India A’s strong bowling attack, combined with smart field placements, ultimately sealed the victory.
India A’s Strong Start
The last day of the match on 22 September started with India A declaring their second innings at 286/8. Riyan Parag played a crucial role with a 73-run knock, while Shashwat Rawat chipped in with 53 runs. India A had gained a 63-run lead from the first innings, setting a challenging target of 351 runs for India C.
Although India C had over two sessions to chase the total, their primary focus was on playing out the day to secure a draw, which would have been enough to win the title. However, India A’s aggressive strategy and sharp bowling attack prevented that from happening.
Sudarshan and Gaikwad’s Resistance
India C started off cautiously, and after an early wicket, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudarshan put on a crucial 77-run partnership for the second wicket, batting for 22 overs. At that point, India C looked like they could manage to draw the game, which would hand them the title based on the points table.
But Aaqib Khan struck for India A, dismissing Gaikwad for 44. His departure opened the floodgates, with key players like Ishan Kishan (17), Rajat Patidar (7), and Abhishek Porel (0) failing to contribute significantly.
Sudarshan’s Lone Fight
Sai Sudarshan continued his valiant stand even as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. He displayed immense grit, scoring a century that kept India C’s hopes alive. For some time, Manav Suthar provided decent support, but the equation was getting tougher.
With just 9 overs left in the day and India C needing to hang on with only 4 wickets, things were still in the balance. However, a breakthrough from spinner Shams Mulani, who dismissed Suthar, tilted the game in India A’s favor.
Prasidh Krishna’s Match-Winning Spell
After Mulani’s key wicket, Prasidh Krishna delivered a match-winning spell. He removed Baba Indrajith, who had initially sat out due to a hamstring injury but bravely came out to bat with the team in dire need of saving the game. Indrajith’s resistance ended quickly as he fell in just two balls.
In his next two overs, Prasidh dismissed Sudarshan, India C’s top scorer, and then Anshul Kamboj. With these crucial blows, India A claimed victory and the Duleep Trophy, sealing the win with just 3 overs left in the day.
Key Moments That Sealed the Victory
- India A set a formidable target of 351 runs, thanks to key contributions from Riyan Parag and Shashwat Rawat.
- Aaqib Khan’s dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was looking solid alongside Sudarshan, shifted the momentum in India A’s favor.
- Sudarshan’s century kept India C in the game, but wickets kept falling at the other end.
- Prasidh Krishna’s brilliant late spell removed key players like Indrajith and Sudarshan, securing India A’s win.
In a thrilling finale, India A’s determination and strategic bowling outclassed India C, making them deserving champions of the Duleep Trophy.
