The 2024-25 Duleep Trophy final was a cricketing spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. India A won Duleep Trophy after defeating India C by 132 runs in a tense and thrilling contest at Anantapur. This victory was a testament to their teamwork, skill, and determination as they outplayed India C in all aspects of the game. Let’s dive into how the match unfolded and the key moments that led to India A’s victory.
India A’s First Innings: Shashwat Rawat Leads the Charge
India A’s journey to victory began with a solid performance in the first innings, where they posted a competitive total of 297. Although they faced some early setbacks, Shashwat Rawat played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. His brilliant knock of 124 runs came when his team needed it the most, rescuing India A from a possible batting collapse.
Rawat’s innings was a perfect mix of patience and aggression, allowing India A to recover and build a decent total. He was well-supported by lower-order contributions, especially as wickets fell at regular intervals. Rawat’s century became the foundation on which India A won Duleep Trophy.
On the bowling front, India C’s Vyshak Vijaykumar was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 51 runs. His accurate bowling kept India A under pressure, but Rawat’s resilience ensured that India A had a respectable total on the board.
India C’s First Innings: Sudharsan Fights, But India A Dominates
In reply, India C struggled to build momentum, managing only 234 in their first innings. The highlight of their innings was Sai Sudharsan, who played a fighting knock of 82 runs. Sudharsan’s effort helped India C avoid a complete collapse, but they fell short of India A’s first-innings total.
India A’s bowlers were relentless. Aaqib Khan and Avesh Khan led the charge, each picking up three wickets (3-43 and 3-64, respectively). Their disciplined bowling kept India C’s batsmen under constant pressure. Aaqib Khan’s delivery that dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad with a superb outswinger set the tone early in the innings.
Avesh Khan was equally effective, using his pace and movement to trouble the batsmen. Once the initial breakthroughs were made, India A’s spinners came into play. They made the most of a surface that was beginning to take turn, making life difficult for India C’s middle and lower order.
India A’s Second Innings: Parag and Rawat Shine
With a 63-run lead, India A looked to extend their advantage in the second innings. This time, Riyan Parag and Shashwat Rawat were the key contributors. Parag’s attacking 73 runs and Rawat’s well-crafted 53 allowed India A to post 286 for 8 before declaring the innings.
India A’s decision to declare was strategic, giving them enough time to bowl out India C and build scoreboard pressure. Their lead had swelled to 349, putting India C in a tough position as they headed into the final innings.
Gaurav Yadav of India C tried to keep his team in the game by taking 4 wickets for 68 runs, but it wasn’t enough to stop India A from setting up a commanding total. The second innings was a fine example of how India A won Duleep Trophy with both bat and ball, as they set the stage for a final-day push.
India C’s Second Innings: Sudharsan’s Heroics and a Defiant Stand
India C’s second innings was all about survival, and once again, it was Sai Sudharsan who stepped up. He played a heroic knock of 111, marking his fifth first-class century. Sudharsan’s innings was a masterclass in determination as he battled hard to keep India C in the game.
For much of the innings, it looked like Sudharsan might pull off a draw for his team. His partnerships with various batsmen frustrated India A’s bowlers, and as the day wore on, the light began to fade. It seemed like India C might hold on for a draw.
However, Prasidh Krishna had other plans. Making his return to first-class cricket after a long injury layoff, Krishna bowled a decisive spell late in the day. With 4.1 overs remaining, Krishna took three crucial wickets to bring India A back into the game.
Prasidh Krishna’s Game-Changing Spell
Prasidh Krishna’s bowling was the turning point of the match. He dismissed Sudharsan, Baba Indrajith, and Anshul Kamboj in quick succession, sealing the victory for India A. Sudharsan’s dismissal came when he attempted an audacious scoop shot, only to be caught out.
Next, Krishna bowled a short delivery aimed at Indrajith’s ribs, and a perfectly placed leg slip caught the ball, ending Indrajith’s brief stay at the crease. Indrajith, who had been injured in the first innings, came out to bat with the hope of securing a draw, but Krishna’s precise bowling left him with no chance.
Krishna’s final wicket came in the 81st over, with the new ball in hand. He bowled full and straight, trapping Kamboj lbw to end India C’s resistance. This fantastic spell was a fitting conclusion to a remarkable comeback for Prasidh Krishna after his injury layoff.
Aaqib Khan’s Early Breakthroughs and Support from Spinners
While Prasidh Krishna delivered the knockout blow, Aaqib Khan played an equally important role earlier in the innings. He removed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar, two key wickets, to put India C under early pressure. His ability to swing the ball both ways made it difficult for the batsmen to settle in.
India A’s spinners, Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani, also contributed significantly. Kotian picked up the wickets of Ishan Kishan and first-innings top-scorer Abhishek Porel, while Mulani dismissed Manav Suthar. Their spin bowling on a turning track was crucial in tightening the noose around India C’s batting lineup.
Conclusion
India A won Duleep Trophy thanks to a collective team effort that combined brilliant batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding. Shashwat Rawat’s century in the first innings, Riyan Parag’s aggressive knock in the second innings, and Prasidh Krishna’s match-winning spell were the standout performances in a memorable final.
This victory is not only a huge achievement for India A but also an important milestone for players like Shashwat Rawat and Prasidh Krishna, who are likely to make strong cases for future selections in higher tournaments. With the domestic season just beginning, this triumph sets a positive tone for India A, and they will look to build on this success in the coming matches.
Also Read: Indian Domestic Cricket Schedule