Favor-losing Indian batsman secure century in Duleep Trophy semi-final, while Jaiswal and Iyer disappoint
In the ongoing Duleep Trophy semi-final, Ruturaj Gaikwad is poised to make history as he aims for his maiden double hundred. Gaikwad, a 21-year-old opener from Central Zone, has already scored two centuries in this season, including one in the current match against West Zone.
Gaikwad's latest century came during a sixth-wicket partnership with Tanush Kotian. This partnership, currently standing at 75, is going strong. Gaikwad himself is batting on 135, while Kotian has made 29 off 52 balls.
Before this match, Gaikwad averaged 41.77 in first-class cricket, with a high-score of 195. In the Buchi Babu tournament before this match, he scored a ton for Maharashtra. This time, he aims to break his high-score and potentially get a double hundred.
Gaikwad is not the only Central Zone player to have impressed this season. Danish Malewar, a 21-year-old opener, has already scored two double hundreds, the latest being in the quarter-finals against North East Zone. This makes Central Zone the result of North East Zone's elimination and their qualification for the semi-finals.
On the other side of the pitch, West Zone, led by Shardul Thakur, has had a mixed performance. Yashasvi Jaiswal, opening for West Zone, was dismissed in the second over, while Shreyas Iyer, batting at No.5, hit four boundaries but was dismissed for 25. Harvik Desai, the other opener for West Zone, was dismissed by Deepak Chahar in the fourth over.
The Duleep Trophy, a premier domestic tournament in India, is being closely followed by cricket enthusiasts. The tournament provides live scores, match stats, quizzes, latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis, and live match odds on various websites.
Gaikwad last represented India in July 2024, but is yet to play Test cricket. With his impressive form in the Duleep Trophy, he might catch the eye of the selectors for future Test matches.
As the match progresses, it remains to be seen if Gaikwad can achieve his goal of a double hundred. The battle between Central Zone and West Zone promises to be an exciting one, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses.
