India A concluded the second session of the first Unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A in Galle with Sai Sudharsan reaching an unbeaten century. The left-hander’s performance was central to India A‘s strong position, with the team reaching 199/3 at tea.
Sudharsan, who remained unbeaten on 121 from 161 deliveries, displayed both patience and elegant strokeplay. His innings included boundaries, and he steadily increased the scoring rate after navigating the initial challenging conditions.
Partnerships steady India A
The partnership between Sudharsan and Ruturaj Gaikwad was crucial in stabilising India A‘s innings after the early loss of Devdutt Padikkal. The duo added 88 runs for the third wicket, repairing the innings after India A were at 96/2.
Gaikwad, who contributed 22 runs from 53 balls, played a supporting role before being dismissed leg before wicket by off-spinner Ravindu Fernando. His dismissal broke the significant third-wicket stand.
Earlier in the day, Sudharsan had also formed an opening partnership with Ayush Pandey. This initial stand helped lay a solid foundation for India A after captain Dhruv Jurel opted to bat first.
Dilum Sudeera was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka A, claiming two wickets for 48 runs. He was responsible for the dismissals of both Pandey and Padikkal.
Young talent in focus
The series offers a platform for emerging Indian cricketers to demonstrate their abilities. Players like Aquib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar are part of the India A squad, with Nabi aiming to build on his Ranji Trophy performance.
Brar, who recently made his ODI debut, is also looking to make an impact on the Sri Lankan pitches. Captain Jurel is leading the side in the two-match red-ball series.
Sudharsan and Padikkal are also competing for the number three batting position, with Sudharsan’s century providing a significant boost to his confidence. Anshul Kamboj, Harsh Dubey, and N Jagadeesan are among other players in the squad.
Following Gaikwad’s departure, captain Dhruv Jurel joined Sudharsan at the crease, with India A aiming to further capitalise on their strong position.
The team reached 180/2 after 44.2 overs, with Sudharsan continuing his impressive form.
The partnership between Sudharsan and Gaikwad had earlier crossed the 50-run mark in 72 deliveries, helping India A reach 143/2 after 36 overs.
At drinks in the second session, India A were well-placed at 168/2 in 40.4 overs, with Sudharsan on 106 and Gaikwad on 18.
Sudharsan’s half-century before lunch had guided India A to 82/1 on the opening day of the match.
Padikkal’s brief innings of 12 runs from 7 balls included a four and a six before he was dismissed by Sudeera, leaving India A at 96/2 in the 25th over.
The India A squad for the multi-day matches in Sri Lanka includes Dhruv Jurel (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (Vice-Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed, and Zeeshan Ansari.
Sudharsan’s century was achieved in 130 deliveries, marking a composed innings against Sri Lanka A.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter