On the second day of the 1st unofficial Test between India A and England Lions at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A in Ahmedabad, Rajat Patidar emerged as the lone hero for the home side. Facing a daunting target set by England Lions, India A found themselves in a precarious situation at 95 for 7, with the rest of the batters struggling to make an impact.

Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, along with other top-order batsmen, failed to get going, leaving Patidar to play a crucial innings. The Indian team’s batting collapse came in response to England Lions’ imposing total of 553 for 8 declared. Openers Abhimanyu Easwaran and B Sai Sudharsan were dismissed cheaply, and Sarfaraz Khan and Pradosh Ranjan Paul failed to contribute significant runs.

Even wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat, part of the Test squad for the upcoming series against England, could only manage 15 runs. Amidst the batting woes, Rajat Patidar showcased resilience and aggression, scoring a rapid century in just 94 balls. Patidar’s hundred included a sensational six that brought up his milestone in style.

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The Royal Challengers Bangalore star continued to display aggressive intent, amassing 140 runs off 132 balls in the final session, featuring 18 boundaries and 5 sixes. By the end of Day 2, India A reached 215 for 8, still trailing England Lions by 338 runs.

HUNDRED FOR RAJAT PATIDAR 🔥

Rajat Patidar continues his brilliant form for India A, he smashed hundred from just 94 balls when no one crossed 30 runs in the innings – he is making huge statements in all formats. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/y6JwTKtE2M

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 18, 2024

For Rajat Patidar, who had faced an Achilles heel injury and was out of competitive action for most of 2023, this innings marked a strong comeback. His performance in this unofficial Test follows a call-up to the India ODI team for the home series against South Africa in October 2022.

Despite not playing any games during that series, Patidar’s consistent performances for India A have now earned him recognition. This century by Patidar was his 12th in first-class cricket and the third for India A in 12 innings. In the practice match against England Lions last week, he had scored 111 runs.

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The stage is set for an intriguing continuation of the match, with Patidar’s innings offering a glimmer of hope for India A. On the first day, England Lions, led by Keaton Jennings, dominated the proceedings, amassing 553 for 8 declared in 118 overs. Jennings’ spectacular innings of 154 set the tone for the visitors, displaying a relentless attack on the Indian bowlers and forming formidable partnerships with his teammates.