Mulani and Kotians Lead India A Team to Victory

Shams Mulani played a crucial role in rescuing India A's innings, scoring an impressive unbeaten 88 to help the team finish the first day of their second-round Duleep Trophy match against India D at 288 for 8. Mulani's standout performance came after India A faced a steep challenge, having slumped to 93 for 5 due to left-arm seamer Vidwath Kaverappa's excellent bowling, which yielded two wickets for just 30 runs.

Invited to bat first by India D captain Shreyas Iyer, India A struggled early, losing Mayank Agarwal and Pratham Singh for a mere 21 runs. Kaverappa, considered a promising fast-bowling talent by the BCCI, showcased his prowess with sharp bounce and movement that put the openers on the back foot. Riyan Parag briefly countered with a quick 37 off 29 balls before falling to Arshdeep Singh's edge.

Tilak Varma was also undone by the spin of Saransh Jain, and following the dismissal of Shashwat Rawat, Kumar Kushagra provided some stability with a resolute 28 runs. The turning point arrived when Mulani and Tanush Kotians, both from Mumbai, forged a vital 91-run partnership for the seventh wicket, batting steadily for 27 overs as conditions improved.

Kotian adopted a more aggressive stance, hitting six fours and a six in his innings of 53 before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar, who had struggled to take wickets earlier in the game. In the closing moments of the day, Harshit Rana claimed the wicket of fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who returned to action after a seven-month absence due to a quadriceps injury.

As play resumes on Friday, Mulani will be in pursuit of his first first-class century, while India D aims to capitalise on their momentum following their prior match defeat.