Duleep Trophy 2024, India A vs India B, Day 1 Review: Musheer Khan stars; Jaiswal, Pant, Sarfaraz flop

Musheer Khan. (Source – Twitter/X)

Youngster Musheer Khan stole the show on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy 2024. India B was reduced to 94/7 at one stage and needed something spectacular to come out of the situation. That’s when Musheer took charge and hit a century to bail his team out of trouble. He built an unbeaten partnership of 108 runs with Navdeep Saini as India B were 202/7 at the end of the day’s play.

The Shubman Gill-led side started the day in remarkable fashion. Avesh Khan picked up the wicket of opposition skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran, who departed for 13 runs, as wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel picked up a flying stunner to dismiss him. Soon after that, Yashasvi Jaiswal too made his way back to the pavilion. The youngster made 30 runs before lefty pacer Khaleel Ahmed got the better of him.

Also Read: WATCH: Akash Deep’s pearler breaches Nitish Reddy’s defence

India B’s middle order struggled massively as Sarfaraz Khan (9), Rishabh Pant (7) while Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar failed to open their tally. Pacer Akash Deep dominated those middle overs as he picked up back-to-back wickets of Pant and Reddy. Shubman Gill picked up a running catch to enforce Pant’s short stay at the crease, which was one of the biggest highlights of the day.

Watch: Shubman Gill takes magnificent catch to dismiss Rishabh Pant on Day 1

Meanwhile, India B pacers started the day well as Akash Deep, Khaleel, and Avesh picked up two wickets each but they struggled massively in the third session of the day, which Musheer dominated. He made a difference in the end and would hope to keep up with the same momentum and send a message to the selectors.

Gill remains in focus as Pujara out of contention

Gill replaced Cheteshwar Pujara in India’s batting order at 3 and there are reports of him being the next vice-captain of the Test team, but if Musheer keeps up with such performances, there will be pressure on Gill. The Duleep Trophy is important for him to do well with the bat, as India would be looking to keep many options open for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later in the year.