The T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up fixtures got underway on Monday, and India A set the tone with a ruthless display of power-hitting, echoing the aggressive template recently showcased by the senior India team against New Zealand. In a high-scoring preparatory game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India A opener N Jagadeesan delivered a statement knock against the United States of America, underlining his growing reputation as a white-ball force.
Drafted in for two warm-up matches against World Cup-bound sides, Jagadeesan partnered IPL breakout star Priyansh Arya at the top and made light work of the USA bowling attack. The Tamil Nadu batter blazed his way to a scintillating century off just 47 balls, peppering the boundary with 11 fours and clearing the ropes five times. His intent from ball one set the tempo for India A and provided valuable momentum heading into the final stretch of preparations.
Skipper Ayush Badoni matched the tempo with a rapid half-century, racing to 50 in just 18 deliveries. His cameo, featuring four sixes and five fours, showcased the depth of India A’s batting and the emphasis on fearless stroke-play in the build-up to the tournament.
ALSO READ: Robin Uthappa Backs Sanju Samson Amid Struggles Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026
The innings served as a timely reminder of the bench strength India possesses ahead of a demanding World Cup schedule. N Jagadeesan is part of the 15-member India A squad selected by the BCCI for these warm-up fixtures, with another game scheduled against Namibia in Bengaluru.
Both the USA and Namibia will later face Suryakumar Yadav’s senior India side during the group stage. Placed in Group A, India open their World Cup campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
ALSO READ: BCCI Statement: Rajeev Shukla Backs ICC Warning To Pakistan Over India Match Boycott
The match also marked a competitive return for Tilak Varma, who batted at No. 3 after recovering from abdominal surgery. The left-hander struck a brisk 38 off 24 balls before falling to Shubham Ranjane, offering encouraging signs as he builds rhythm ahead of the tournament.
Nice to see N Jagadeesan do a DK.
Keeper hitting a ton in warm-up! #T20WorldCup2026
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 2, 2026
N Jagadeesan scored a century against USA in the world cup warm-up game. pic.twitter.com/3QYDVNdjKh
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) February 2, 2026
Hundred for Narayan Jagadeesan against the World Cup side USA in the warm-up game. Great to see India A stars in action and dominating 🤞
Just a little teaser before the big show.
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) February 2, 2026
N Jagadeeshan with a superb 100 opening for India A against USA pic.twitter.com/ScKFejaKyq
— Dim Tavid (@aayushgarg01) February 2, 2026
Unsold but unstoppable.🚨
N. Jagadeesan silences every doubter with a brilliant century 100 runs in just 49 balls against USA in the warm-up match.
Class, composure, and pure timing on display… he batted like a man with a point to prove.
What a player. What an innings.… pic.twitter.com/J10RKM71Pc— Indian First (@MaheshJain68174) February 2, 2026
A 49 ball hundred for N Jagadeeshan in the INDIA A vs USA warm up game💯
India 188/2 in 16 overs.#T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/lgTCry1y3V
— Kanav Bali (@Concussion__Sub) February 2, 2026
N Jagadeesan smashes a brilliant 100 off just 49 balls.
Great to see a right handed opener, and a wicketkeeper, scoring runs confidently in India colours.
This kind of performance adds depth and balance to the top order. https://t.co/ECxd9sMzxi
— Niraj (@KumarNiraj__) February 2, 2026
