India D batter Ricky Bhui showcased his resilience and skill with his 19th first-class hundred on Day 4 of the Duleep Trophy match against India A, keeping his team’s hopes alive in a daunting run chase of 488. Bhui played a gutsy knock of 113 runs in 195 balls before getting dismissed off Tanush Kotian’s bowling.
Coming to the crease early after the departure of opener Atharva Taide in the third over, Bhui stabilized the innings with a crucial 100-run stand alongside Yash Dubey. The partnership was broken when Dubey was run-out, but Bhui continued to anchor the chase. Devdutt Padikkal fell shortly after, and Shreyas Iyer provided some momentum with a brisk 41 off 55 balls before Sanju Samson joined Bhui at the crease.
Bhui reached his century just after lunch, playing a mix of calculated strokes and deft shots against spin. His century came off 170 balls, and he continued to be India D’s mainstay, holding the innings together despite wickets falling around him. However, Bhui’s valiant effort came to an end when he was caught at slip off Tanush Kotian’s bowling. The dismissal was confirmed after a review from the third umpire, bringing an end to a fine innings at 113.
With Bhui’s wicket, India D’s chase became increasingly challenging, but his knock had undoubtedly given them a fighting chance. Bhui’s innings, filled with grit and determination, further solidifies his reputation as a dependable top-order batter, with over 4,900 First-Class runs and an average exceeding 46.
As the final day unfolds, India D will need significant contributions from their remaining batters to pull off what would be a remarkable run chase in the Duleep Trophy match.
Source Agencies
