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'Our Bowlers Leaked...': Shreyas Iyer Blames Harshit Rana And Co After Double Defeat

Shreyas Iyer Reflects on Defeat in Post-Match Presentation [X.com]Shreyas Iyer Reflects on Defeat in Post-Match Presentation [X.com]

On Day 4 of the 3rd match of the Duleep Trophy 2024, India A emerged victorious, defeating India D by a substantial 186 runs at The Rural Development Trust Stadium. Led by Mayank Agarwal, India A secured their win and made a significant leap in the points table. With 12 points from two games, India A now sits at the top of the standings.

Despite the comprehensive defeat, India D captain Shreyas Iyer offered a candid and insightful reflection during the post-match presentation.

Shreyas Iyer began his address with a tone of humble acceptance. 

“Right from Ball 1, we were on the mark and secured crucial early breakthroughs, taking four key wickets. However, after that, Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian demonstrated their skill and resilience. Our bowlers leaked around 120 runs, and that was when the momentum shifted decisively in their favor.”

The captain acknowledged the challenges faced when his side took to bat. 

“Our innings was plagued by a series of quick dismissals. We failed to post a competitive score, which put us on the back foot for the rest of the match. Despite seeing the ball turn and the batters struggling, we could not capitalize on the critical moments that mattered.”

“Facing 483 runs was always going to be a tough ask. We strategised on how to chase it, but a succession of wickets derailed our efforts. Nonetheless, it was a learning experience, and we look forward to a more competitive game in our next outing,” he further added.

India D’s Batting Collapse Against India A

Iyer’s decision to bowl first on a grassy pitch seemed promising initially, as India D’s bowlers made early inroads, reducing India A to 93/5. However, a pivotal partnership between Kumar Kushagra and Shams Mulani, who added 51 runs, revived the innings. 

Mulani’s resolute 89 and Kotian’s crucial 91-run stand for the seventh wicket helped India A recover, eventually posting a challenging total of 290.

India D’s batting woes mirrored their opponents’ early struggles. Iyer’s own dismissal for a duck was a blow, and despite Devdutt Padikkal’s valiant 92, India D could only manage 183, falling short by 107 runs. 

The second innings saw India A’s dominance, with Pratham Singh (122) and Tilka Varma (111*) securing commanding positions. Despite a valiant effort from Ricky Bhui (113) and contributions from Iyer (41), Sanju Samson (40), and Yash Dubey (37), India D was ultimately bowled out for 301, handing a well-deserved victory to India A.