Navdeep Saini, who hadn’t bowled with a red ball for over seven months, was unexpectedly called up for the Duleep Trophy as a replacement for Mohammed Siraj. Initially planning to ease into the season through white-ball cricket in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), Saini had to adjust quickly. His performance on the second day of the match between India A and India B in Bengaluru had a significant impact on the game.
Saini’s resilience with the bat played a vital role in India B’s recovery from 94 for 7, as he partnered with Musheer Khan for a crucial 205-run stand. Saini scored a determined 56, his second half-century in first-class cricket, spending 349 minutes at the crease — the longest he’s ever batted. Musheer Khan built on his overnight score of 105 to reach an impressive 181, leading India B to a total of 321. Saini’s innings combined solid defense with timely counterattacks, supporting Musheer in constructing a big total.
Saini also made an early impact with the ball, dismissing Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal. Gill was bowled for 25 by an in-swinger after misjudging a delivery, reminiscent of his dismissal in the 2023 World Test Championship final. Agarwal, who looked promising with some stylish cover drives, fell for 36 to an excellent catch down the leg side by Rishabh Pant.
Despite the early losses, KL Rahul and Riyan Parag helped India A recover with an unbroken 68-run partnership. India A ended the day at 134 for 2, still trailing by 187 runs. Rahul, returning to red-ball cricket for the first time since January 2024, initially struggled but gradually found his rhythm, highlighted by a well-timed cut shot. Parag, typically more aggressive, was also tested by the movement in the pitch but showed resilience and adapted his game.
India A’s captaincy decisions, particularly spreading the field after taking the new ball, allowed India B to build their total further. Musheer Khan took advantage of the opportunity to counterattack, including a six and some powerful strokes.
Although Musheer fell short of a double-century, his knock of 181 at just 19 years old showcased his maturity and hunger for runs. His ability to overturn two decisions through DRS, along with his composed shot-making, was critical to India B’s position in the match.
India A will need to respond strongly on the third day to close the gap and stay in the contest.