After being struck for four consecutive boundaries by Riyan Parag, Arshdeep Singh had the last laugh by dismissing the India A batter and delivering an emphatic send-off.
For those watching the Duleep Trophy second-round clash between India A and India D, it could have easily been mistaken for a high-octane T20 match, especially while Parag was at the crease. As commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan noted, such aggressive innings can be exhilarating until they abruptly come to an end. When Parag’s shots were connecting, his play injected energy into the game, but the moment his aggressive approach backfired, it appeared reckless, especially in a high-stakes four-day match.
However, Parag is known for his fearless, modern approach to cricket. While aware of the traditional cricketing norms, the Assam all-rounder prefers to chart his own path. His Duleep Trophy campaign has seen him often deviate from the conventional approach, but with limited success. His brisk cameos have been entertaining yet lacking in significance in the broader context of the game. The match between India A and India D in Anantapur followed a similar script.
Coming off scores of 30 and 31 in the previous game against India B, Parag began his innings explosively, launching a straight six off Vidwath Kaverappa, India D's fastest bowler, that was sure to feature in the match highlights. He continued his onslaught against India international Arshdeep Singh, hitting three consecutive boundaries in one over, starting his innings with flair.
Arshdeep, however, did not take kindly to the assault. He returned in the following over with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, but Parag seemed unfazed, even ramping one over the slips for another boundary, further fueling Arshdeep’s frustration.
Parag also unleashed attacking shots against off-spinner Saransh Jain, making it clear he was either going to dominate or fall trying. For the early part of his innings, it seemed Parag’s bold approach would prevail—until Arshdeep adapted.
Drawing from his two and a half years of international experience, Arshdeep adjusted his strategy. Instead of continuing with short-pitched deliveries, he reverted to a Test-match length. By tightening his line and length, he restricted Parag’s ability to free his arms. The pressure mounted as Arshdeep pitched one just outside off-stump, tempting Parag into an ill-advised slash. The result: an outside edge to the second slip, where Devdutt Padikkal completed the catch.
Arshdeep, visibly fired up, celebrated the dismissal with a loud roar and an intense send-off, while Parag walked back with another cameo, a flashy 37 off 29 balls, that ultimately lacked lasting impact.