Duleep Trophy: Musheer Khan’s Century Rescues India B from Collapse on Opening Day
Bengaluru: Rishabh Pant’s much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket was short-lived, but Musheer Khan’s masterful century salvaged India B’s innings on the first day of the Duleep Trophy four-day contest against India A. Musheer’s unbeaten 105 guided India B to a respectable 202 for seven at stumps, after they had been reduced to 94 for seven under overcast skies at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Musheer’s Grit and Resilience
At just 19 years old, Musheer Khan (105 not out off 227 balls, 10×4, 2×6) displayed remarkable maturity, steering his side out of a deep hole. When the right-hander came to the crease in the 14th over, India B had already lost opener Abhimanyu Easwaran and were struggling against a potent India A bowling attack.
Despite the challenging conditions, Musheer tackled the moving ball and bounce with an unconventional approach, walking down the track to counter the swing. His innings featured elegant strokes, including a delightful on-drive off Avesh Khan and a powerful cut off Khaleel Ahmed. His display of power was equally impressive, smashing two sixes off spinner Tanush Kotian as he approached his century.
Musheer’s knock was not without fortune—he was dropped by Avesh Khan on 69, a pivotal moment that allowed India B to recover. He brought up his hundred off 205 balls, celebrating with enthusiasm as the Mumbai youngster continued to shine on his Duleep Trophy debut.
Navdeep Saini’s Gutsy Support
Musheer found a capable partner in Navdeep Saini (29 not out off 74 balls, 4×4, 1×6), as the duo added 108 runs for the eighth wicket. Saini’s resistance allowed Musheer to flourish, and together they weathered the storm after a dramatic middle-order collapse. The India A bowlers, who had dominated much of the day, lost their edge as Musheer and Saini took control in the final session.
India B’s Top-Order Woes
Earlier, India A skipper Shubman Gill’s decision to bowl first under cloudy conditions paid immediate dividends. India B’s top-order faltered, with several batters guilty of poor shot selection.
Rishabh Pant’s return to red-ball cricket after a lengthy layoff was cut short, as he faced only 10 balls before a leading edge off Akash Deep’s full delivery led to a spectacular running catch by Gill. Pant’s dismissal came as a disappointment to fans eager to see him back in action after his last red-ball appearance in December 2022.
Yashasvi Jaiswal showed flashes of brilliance during his 30-run knock, which included six boundaries, but his attempt to cut Khaleel Ahmed resulted in a fine catch at point by substitute fielder Shashwat Kumar. Nitish Kumar Reddy also fell cheaply to the ball of the day—an Akash Deep delivery that knocked over his stumps with just a slight movement.
India A Bowlers Shine Early
India A’s pacers dominated the early proceedings, with Khaleel Ahmed (2/39), Akash Deep (2/28), and Avesh Khan (2/42) taking crucial wickets. The bowlers exploited the bounce and movement on offer, leaving India B in tatters at 94 for seven. However, the resilience of Musheer and Saini ensured India B avoided a total collapse, making the most of the final session to bring their side back into contention.
Looking Ahead
As the Duleep Trophy contest progresses, India B will look to build on the solid foundation laid by Musheer and Saini. With three days of play remaining, India A will aim to capitalize on their early success with the ball, while India B will hope their lower order can add valuable runs to the total.
Brief Scores:
- India B: 202/7 in 79 overs (Musheer Khan 105*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 30; Khaleel Ahmed 2/39, Akash Deep 2/28, Avesh Khan 2/42) vs India A.
Musheer’s heroics on Day 1 have kept India B in the hunt, setting the stage for an intriguing second day in this gripping Duleep Trophy encounter.
