Axar Patel’s Heroics Rescue India D from Collapse in Duleep Trophy Opener
In a thrilling opening day of the Duleep Trophy match between India D and India C in Anantapur, all-rounder Axar Patel emerged as the star performer, rescuing his team from a precarious position with a counter-attacking 86 and then chipping in with two crucial wickets.
India D’s batting order crumbled early on, with the pace duo of Anshul Kamboj and Vijaykumar Vyshak exploiting the responsive pitch to reduce them to a dismal 48 for six. However, Axar, batting at number seven, played a defiant innings, transitioning from a cautious start to an aggressive approach. He smashed six sixes, including three off left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, and propelled India D’s total to 164 in 48.3 overs.
Axar’s batting heroics were complemented by his bowling contributions. He dismissed Aryan Juyal and Rajat Patidar to dent India C’s progress, who ended the day at 91 for four, trailing by 73 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel remained unbeaten on 32, while Baba Indrajith was on 14 at stumps.
India C’s bowlers had earlier made early inroads into India D’s batting lineup. Shreyas Iyer fell to a notable delivery from Vyshak, while opener Atharva Taide and Devdutt Padikkal were dismissed cheaply.
Despite Axar’s heroics, India D’s innings was marred by questionable shot selections from several batsmen. Taide’s attempted pull shot early in his innings and Padikkal’s dismissal at cover off a straightforward ball highlighted the need for more disciplined batting.
