Team India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed his Mumbai teammates Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian for their vital contributions in India A’s innings during the 2024 Duleep Trophy match against India D. The match, which kicked off on September 12 at Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur, saw India A in early trouble after losing half their side for just 93 runs. However, Mulani and Kotian’s resilient stand saved the day, helping their team bounce back from the precarious position.
Mulani remained unbeaten on 88 from 174 balls, while Kotian scored 53 off 80 deliveries. Their crucial 91-run partnership for the seventh wicket steadied India A, leaving them at 288/8 at the end of Day 1. Suryakumar Yadav, who is currently sidelined due to a finger injury, took to Instagram Stories to praise the duo, calling them “real crisis men.”
India A Struggles Early After Losing Key Wickets
India A found themselves in deep trouble after being asked to bat first. India D’s Vidhwath Kaverappa dismissed India A captain Mayank Agarwal and Pratham Singh early, leaving India A at 14/2.
Though Riyan Parag showed some fight with a quickfire 37 off 29 balls, he fell to Arshdeep Singh, who further dented India A’s batting lineup.
With Tilak Varma, Shashwat Rawat, and Kumar Kushagra also failing to make significant contributions, India A was reduced to 93/5 by the 25th over.
This early collapse left the team in desperate need of a strong partnership to avoid further damage.
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Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian’s Heroics Save India A
Shams Mulani, known for his ability to perform under pressure, stepped up to stabilise India A’s innings.
Supported by Tanush Kotian, the duo put together a solid 91-run partnership, with Mulani remaining not out on 88 at stumps.
Kotian’s attacking approach helped shift the momentum, as his 53 off 80 balls ensured that India A managed to reach a respectable total by the end of Day 1.
Their efforts were acknowledged by Suryakumar Yadav, who posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, comparing their impact to a rain of runs when they stood tall during the crisis.
At stumps, India A finished at 288/8, with Mulani and Khaleel Ahmed (15*) set to continue on Day 2. The bowlers from India D—Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Vidhwath Kaverappa—claimed two wickets each.
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