Iyer Falls for Another Duck affecting his comeback to India squad

Shreyas Iyer's struggles continued as he was dismissed for a second consecutive duck, hampering his bid to make a comeback to India's Test squad. However, strong performances from other frontline batters, especially Sanju Samson, helped India D reach 306 for five on Day 1 of their Duleep Trophy match against India B in Anantapur on Thursday.

Despite Iyer's disappointing run, India D’s innings was powered by half-centuries from Devdutt Padikkal (50), Srikar Bharat (52), Ricky Bhui (56), and an unbeaten 89 from Samson. At stumps, Samson and Saransh Jain (26 not out) were at the crease.

For India B, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar (3/60) was the pick of the bowlers, while Mukesh Kumar (1/37) and Navdeep Saini (1/51) each chipped in with a wicket after India B opted to field first at the Rural Development Trust Stadium.

Padikkal and Bharat provided a strong start with a 105-run opening partnership. Saini broke through by dismissing Padikkal, while Mukesh soon removed Bharat, both caught behind by wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan. Nishant Sindhu fell for 19, and Iyer’s dismissal by Chahar left India D at 175 for four, stalling their momentum.

Bhui steadied the innings, adding 41 runs with Samson before Chahar struck again to remove him, reducing India D to 216 for five. Samson, however, kept the innings on track, blasting 10 fours and three sixes in his 83-ball knock, and added an unbeaten 90-run stand with Jain.

Iyer's form remains a concern, as he has managed just 104 runs in five innings (9, 54, 0, 41, 0), averaging a modest 20.80 in the tournament. His exclusion from the first Test against Bangladesh, coupled with these performances, could affect his chances for the upcoming series against Australia and New Zealand.

Brief Scores:

India D: 306 for five in 77 overs (Sanju Samson 89, Devdutt Padikkal 50, Srikar Bharat 52, Ricky Bhui 56; Rahul Chahar 3/60) vs India B.