The third day of the Duleep Trophy 2024 match between India A and India C at the Rural Development Trust Stadium showcased the essence of adaptability in cricket. Riyan Parag, known for his aggressive batting, adopted a more cautious approach, while Shashwat Rawat unleashed his attacking instincts. This contrasting yet complementary approach resulted in a crucial 105-run partnership for the fourth wicket, putting India A in a strong position to force a win.
India A, with a score of 270 for six in their second innings, had built a commanding lead of 333 runs. The team was likely to consider an overnight declaration, aiming to capitalize on their advantage.
For Parag, this was a significant innings, marking his first fifty in the Duleep Trophy. He had previously struggled to make a substantial contribution, scoring 30, 31, 37, 20, and two in his previous appearances. This innings must have brought him a sense of relief and accomplishment.
Rawat, on the other hand, is already making a strong impression in the competition, having previously notched two fifties and a hundred in just four innings. This left-handed batsman from Baroda is a promising talent. In the first innings, he had scored a patient 124 runs off 250 balls. In the second innings, he exhibited his aggressive side, smashing 53 off 67 balls (4×4, 1×6), scoring at a run-a-ball rate at times. He even came down the track to attack the spinners, but his aggression also proved his downfall as he was bowled by a sharp turning delivery from left-arm spinner Manav Suthar.
Three overs before Rawat’s dismissal, Parag (73, 101b, 5×4, 1×6) was caught by a spectacular one-handed catch from Ruturaj Gaikwad off Gaurav Yadav. Gaikwad, the India C captain, timed his jump perfectly at extra cover to take his third catch of the day. Earlier, Gaikwad had dismissed Pratham Singh to give India C their first wicket. The other opener, Mayank Agarwal (34, 60b, 2×4), was bowled by Anshul Kamboj’s delivery, which came in with a long trajectory.
India C’s first innings, which had resumed at 216 for seven, ended on 234 with the fall of their ninth wicket. B. Indrajith, who had retired hurt on Friday, was ruled out of the match. Avesh Khan picked up both the wickets to finish with figures of three for 64.
