“Good things will happen” - Ravichandran Ashwin hails Baba Indrajith for a gritty knock in IND C vs IND D 2024 Duleep Trophy match
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised his Tamil Nadu teammate Baba Indrajith for his outstanding performance for India C in their 2024 Duleep Trophy match against India D. The match is taking place at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur.
On a challenging pitch, Indrajith came in to bat at No. 5 with India C struggling at 40-3 after 15.5 overs and trailing by 124 runs. He forged a crucial 54-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Abhishek Porel.
While wickets fell at the other end, Indrajith remained steadfast, scoring 72 off 149 balls with the aid of nine boundaries. His knock helped India C secure a narrow four-run lead in the first innings.
Ravichandran Ashwin took to his X account to commend the 30-year-old for his outstanding performance, stating:
“Very well done to @IndrajithBaba on a fantastic innings today. Top quality player and an even better individual, good things will happen. Hang in there #DuleepTrophy.”
Baba Indrajith has featured in 75 first-class matches, amassing 5,278 runs at an average of 53.85, including 27 half-centuries and 16 centuries.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin is set to return to action in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, slated to begin in Chennai on September 19.
Baba Indrajith plays a key role in helping India C secure a narrow four-run lead in the first innings
India C won the toss and elected to bowl first. India D had a poor start, losing half their side for just 34 runs, with captain Shreyas Iyer departing for nine. Axar Patel then played a stellar knock, scoring 86 off 118 balls to help India D post 164. Vijaykumar Vyshak took three wickets for India C.
In response, Harshit Rana was exceptional, dismissing India C openers Ruturaj Gaikwad (5) and Sai Sudharsan (7). Axar Patel added to the pressure by removing Aryan Juyal and Rajat Patidar, leaving India C reeling at 43-4 after 17.4 overs.
Abhishek Porel contributed a valuable 34, but Baba Indrajith was the standout performer with his 72-run knock, helping India C take a slender four-run first-innings lead.