In a high-scoring warm-up match in Navi Mumbai on Monday, the ‘A’ team, which is primarily made up of IPL stars, easily defeated the United States of America by 38 runs. The Indian team management will be relieved that Tilak Varma has checked all the boxes on his return to competitive cricket following lower abdominal surgery.
Batting first, the senior team’s attack-at-all-costs approach was adopted by the team’s hitters, as Tamil Nadu keeper Narayan Jagadeesan hammered 104 off 55 balls with 11 fours and five sixes.
Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s 18-ball-41 was the bright spot for the USA, who gave a respectable account of themselves on a flat deck but ultimately managed 200.
With three wickets, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who is also a candidate to take Washington Sundar’s position if the latter is formally ruled out, strengthened his cause.
Tilak had finished a three-week ‘Return To Play’ procedure at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and the national selection committee, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Suryakumar Yadav had made it their top priority to assess his match fitness.
The stylish Hyderabadi southpaw blasted two majestic sixes off the left-arm spin combo of Harmeet Singh and Nosthush Kenjige while scoring 38 off 24 balls. Tilak targeted Harmeet and smashed him for three boundaries.
He batted for 24 deliveries, but what really stood out was that he completed his shots without seeming uncomfortable. He ran backward while fielding, making a deft catch to send Saiteja Mukkamalla back. Tilak kept his balance while sprinting backward while the ball drifted away, and he expertly got beneath the ball to bag it cleanly.
Later, Tilak took his second catch and rolled his arms over to get a wicket. Sanju Samson, who has suffered five straight failures, may have to make room for Ishan Kishan after Tilak completed his fitness test with flying colors and regained his No. 3 spot.
Although captain Ayush Badoni (60 off 24 balls) stole the show with some breezy strokes towards the finish, Riyan Parag’s comeback was the match’s other high point.
Parag was given one over to bowl by India A captain. With a slightly modified technique that has a less noticeable leap during load-up at the crease, India’s tearaway quick Mayank Yadav (0/37 in 3 overs) produced some quick deliveries but was predictably rusty following a lengthy injury hiatus.
