Ruturaj Gaikwad’s India C clinched a thrilling victory over Shreyas Iyer-led India D in a gripping, low-scoring contest at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur. Displaying nerves of steel, India C chased down the target of 233 runs with just four wickets remaining in what was a memorable match for cricket fans at the stadium.
The picturesque stadium in Anantapur provided an intriguing battleground where both batters and bowlers found moments of opportunity. Ultimately, it was Abishek Porel who emerged as the hero for India C, guiding his team to victory after several tense moments in the run-chase. The pursuit seemed smooth sailing when Rajat Patidar and Aryan Juyal had India C positioned comfortably at 165/2. However, Saransh Jain turned the game into a nerve-wracking contest. Jain, who had already removed both openers, added two more scalps to his tally, momentarily tipping the scales back in favor of India D.
With Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel chipping in with timely wickets, the match swung back and forth like a pendulum. Nevertheless, Saransh Jain’s exceptional four-wicket haul couldn’t prevent India C from snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
The third day began with India D in a relatively favorable position. At 206/8 overnight, with Axar Patel still at the crease on 11, they harbored hopes of extending their lead significantly. Patel, who played a pivotal role in their first innings, could only muster 16 additional runs before succumbing to Manav Suthar, who was the tormentor-in-chief in the second innings.
India D could only add 30 more runs to their total, folding up for 236. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer with a spellbinding display of bowling, claiming seven wickets for 49 runs in an epic 19.1-over stint.
In India D’s second innings, putative Test stars Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal provided the much-needed backbone by scoring fifties, helping their team to a respectable 236.
. The duo’s contribution was vital, but it was ultimately not enough to secure a victory.
India C had won the toss and opted to bowl first—a decision that paid off handsomely. India D managed a modest 164 in their first innings, thanks to Axar Patel’s valiant knock of 86 off 118 balls. The fast bowlers wreaked havoc, with Vijaykumar Vyshak, Anshul Kamboj, and Himanshu Chauhan sharing seven important wickets among them.
In reply, India C managed 168 in their first innings, eking out a slender lead. Baba Indrajith was the mainstay of the innings with a well-crafted 72, while Abishek Porel contributed a valuable 34. For India D, Harshit Rana’s four-wicket haul stood out, complemented by two wickets each from Axar Patel and Saransh Jain.
Heading into the final innings, the stage was set for a fascinating conclusion. India D’s 236 meant India C needed 233 to win—a task that proved to be more challenging than it appeared on paper. With the game on a knife-edge at various stages, the gritty performances from both sides kept the audience hooked.
Despite the troubles posed by Saransh Jain’s masterful spin and the effective guest appearances by Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh, it was Abishek Porel’s calmness under pressure that ultimately proved decisive for India C. His ability to anchor the team through the tense final moments will be a defining memory from what was a truly enthralling match.
The victory adds another chapter to the storied Duleep Trophy lore, underlining the competitive spirit and depth of talent in Indian cricket. For Shreyas Iyer-led India D, it was an unfortunate end to a hard-fought game, but their resilience and fighting spirit will surely stand them in good stead for the future.
As cricket fans reflect on the twists and turns of this match, one thing is clear: the Duleep Trophy once again proved why it remains one of the most captivating domestic competitions in the cricketing world.
