Duleep Trophy: Axar Patel Stranded On 86 As Shreyas Iyer's Team 164-all Out

The Duleep Trophy 2024 began with a thrilling encounter that showcased the grit and determination of one of India’s most dependable all-rounders, Axar Patel. On Day 1 at the Anantapur Stadium in Andhra Pradesh, Patel once again lived up to his nickname of ‘Crisis Man,’ as he led a remarkable recovery for Shreyas Iyer’s India D team. Coming in to bat with his team in deep trouble at 34/5, Axar delivered a sensational knock, missing out on his second First-Class century but rescuing his side with a brilliant 86. Though India D ultimately posted a modest total, Axar’s fighting innings will be remembered as the highlight of the day.

Axar Patel: The ‘Crisis Man’ Strikes Again

Axar Patel has earned his reputation as a dependable player who excels under pressure. Time and again, he has proven his mettle, bailing India out of tricky situations. Thursday’s match was no different, as the 30-year-old walked out to bat with his team in dire straits, having lost half of their side for just 34 runs. Despite the early setbacks, Patel remained calm and composed, gradually taking control of the situation.

Axar’s innings was a masterclass in pacing and adaptability. He started cautiously, scoring just three runs from his first 25 balls as he carefully navigated through the opposition’s disciplined bowling attack. The Anantapur pitch offered assistance to the bowlers, and India C’s attack led by Hritik Shokeen and Manav Suthar exploited the conditions well. However, Axar Patel, with his vast experience, weathered the storm and gradually began to open up as the innings progressed.

India D’s Early Collapse: A Tough Start to the Season

The start of India’s domestic season did not go as planned for Shreyas Iyer’s India D team. After winning the toss and opting to bat, India D found themselves in a perilous situation within the first hour of play. The top order crumbled under pressure, with captain Shreyas Iyer falling for just 9 runs and Devdutt Padikkal departing for a duck. The dismissals of Sarash Jain, Harshit Rana, and the rest of the middle order followed quickly, leaving India D reeling at 34/5.

The collapse was a result of some excellent bowling by India C’s pace and spin attack. Hritik Shokeen’s sharp fielding and disciplined bowling added to India D’s woes, but the real damage was done by Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar, who maintained consistent pressure and picked up crucial wickets. At this point, it seemed as though India D was headed for a low total, but Axar Patel had other plans.

Axar Patel’s Resurgence After Lunch

After a slow and cautious start, Axar Patel decided to take the aggressive route post-lunch. With the situation still precarious at 76/8, Patel knew that his team needed a counter-attacking knock to salvage their innings. The introduction of spin in the second session played into Axar’s hands, as he unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, turning the momentum in India D’s favor.

The highlight of his innings came in the 39th over, where Patel showcased his six-hitting prowess against Manav Suthar. The over began with a massive six, followed by two crisp boundaries. Patel then completed his half-century in style, smashing another six to reach the 50-run mark off 77 balls. His aggressive intent put the pressure back on India C’s bowlers, and suddenly, India D’s total began to look more respectable.

Arshdeep Singh’s Crucial Support in the Lower Order

While Axar Patel’s heroics took center stage, his partnership with Arshdeep Singh was equally vital in the recovery effort. Arshdeep, known primarily for his bowling, proved to be a valuable ally with the bat as well. After the dismissal of Harshit Rana, Arshdeep walked in with India D struggling at 76/8. Recognizing the importance of sticking around, Arshdeep played a sensible innings, rotating the strike and giving Axar the freedom to attack.

As Axar continued to pile on the runs, Arshdeep also decided to shift gears, smashing a six to deep mid-wicket and contributing crucial runs to the total. Together, the duo put on a vital 84-run partnership for the ninth wicket, rescuing India D from a complete collapse. Their efforts helped the team post a total of 164, which, while modest, was a significant recovery from their earlier position.

Axar’s Missed Century: A Brilliant Knock Ends at 86

Despite his valiant effort, Axar Patel fell just short of his second First-Class century. After leading the recovery and taking the score to 160, Patel attempted to accelerate further and push India D towards a competitive total. However, his aggressive approach ultimately led to his downfall. Patel miscued a delivery and was caught brilliantly at the boundary by Hritik Shokeen, ending his innings at 86.

Axar’s innings was reminiscent of his earlier First-Class century, which came back in 2016 against Baroda, where he had remained unbeaten on 110*. This time, however, he fell agonizingly short of the three-figure mark. Nonetheless, his knock was a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Even though he missed out on the century, Axar’s contribution was the standout performance of the day, giving India D a fighting chance in the match.

Shreyas Iyer’s Struggles: A Disappointing Start for the Captain

While Axar Patel shone with the bat, captain Shreyas Iyer had a forgettable outing in the first innings. Known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to lead from the front, Iyer would have been disappointed with his contribution of just 9 runs. His early dismissal added to India D’s woes, leaving the middle order exposed to India C’s bowlers.

Iyer, who has been a consistent performer for India in recent times, will be looking to make amends in the second innings. The Duleep Trophy presents an important opportunity for him to stake his claim for a spot in the Indian Test team, and he will be eager to turn things around in the remainder of the match.

Looking Ahead: India D’s Bowlers Face a Challenge

With a total of 164 on the board, India D’s bowlers will have their work cut out for them. The pressure will be on the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and the spin duo of Sarash Jain and Axar Patel to deliver with the ball. While the pitch at Anantapur has offered assistance to the bowlers, India D will need to execute their plans perfectly to defend their total against a strong India C batting lineup.

As the match progresses, all eyes will be on how India D’s bowlers respond to the challenge. Axar Patel’s heroics have given them a fighting chance, but the road ahead remains tough. The outcome of this match could set the tone for the rest of the Duleep Trophy tournament, and both teams will be keen to make a strong statement in the early stages of the competition.

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