Tilak Varma made a stunning return to domestic cricket, showcasing his brilliance while playing for India A in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024. The left-hander bounced back from a modest first-innings performance, where he managed just 10 runs, to produce a match-defining century in the second innings against India D.
Coming in at No. 3, Tilak took control of the game, steering his team to a dominant position. His focus and flawless shot selection were evident as he built a commanding lead of over 450 runs for India A. Having missed the Zimbabwe tour, this was Tilak’s first game in the Duleep Trophy, and he wasted no time making his presence felt.
The young batter played with remarkable composure, striking the ball cleanly to every part of the ground. After securing a vital fifty, Tilak stayed composed and converted it into a crucial century, emphasizing his arrival with authority.
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He completed his century off 177 balls and remained unbeaten at 111 runs off 193 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries. His gritty innings helped push India A to a declaration at 380/3, securing a mammoth lead of 486 runs. Alongside Tilak, Pratham Singh contributed a splendid 122, while skipper Mayank Agarwal added a solid half-century.
Creativity & Placement 👌👌
Tilak Varma has played a fine knock so far and put India A in a strong position 💪#DuleepTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank
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— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 14, 2024
Tilak Varma brings up his 1⃣0⃣0⃣ 🙌
A calm and composed innings laced with 9 fours 👌#DuleepTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank
Follow the match ▶️: https://t.co/m9YW0HttaH pic.twitter.com/wkCD4bln7E
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 14, 2024
Riyan Parag (20) and Shashwat Rawat (64*) contributed valuable contributions. In the first innings, India A had posted a challenging 290 runs despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Shams Mulani’s impressive 89 and Tanush Kotian’s fighting 53 ensured they reached close to the 300-run mark.
In reply, India D struggled, collapsing for just 183 runs. Khaleel Ahmed and Aaqib Khan were the stars with the ball, claiming three wickets each. Opener Devdutt Padikkal was the lone warrior for India D, scoring 94 runs, while Harshit Rana chipped in with 31.
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With a commanding second-innings performance, India A now seems firmly in the driver’s seat. Having lost their opening game to India B, this match is a golden opportunity for them to secure a vital six points in the tournament. Tilak Varma’s stellar performance has certainly reignited India’s hopes in the competition.
