On the opening day of the second round of matches in the Duleep Trophy in Anantapur, India C took charge against India D, finishing at a commanding 357 for 5 after 79 overs. Dikshit Kishan stole the show with a remarkable return to first-class cricket, smashing a brilliant 111 off just 126 balls, including 14 boundaries and three sixes. This century, his seventh in first-class cricket, showcased his prowess and marked his comeback to red-ball cricket since his Test debut in July 2023.
Kishan's stellar performance was well-supported by B Indrajith, who contributed a solid 78 runs, forming a crucial 189-run partnership for the third wicket. Despite facing initial challenges after a late inclusion in the squad due to a groin injury, Kishan's display of aggressive batting set the tone for India C's dominance on the field.Seamer Mukesh Kumar was the standout bowler for India D, claiming three wickets, while Navdeep Saini and leg-spinner Rahul Chahar chipped in with a wicket each.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who retired hurt early in the innings due to an ankle twist, displayed resilience by returning to the crease and adding an unbeaten 46 to the team's total.Unfortunately, B Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar, aiming to solidify their positions in the middle order, failed to capitalize on their promising starts, scoring 43 and 40 respectively. The day's play showcased a mix of individual brilliance, team effort, and moments of resilience, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between India C and India D in the upcoming sessions.