Khaleel Ahmed and Aaqib Khan Dominate on Day 2 of Duleep Trophy

Khaleel Ahmed and Aaqib Khan's stellar fast bowling performances gave India A control over India D in the Duleep Trophy. Khaleel's three-wicket haul and Aaqib's early strikes highlighted the day, while Devdutt Padikkal top-scored for India D. In the other match, Manav Suthar's half-century boosted India C.

The pace duo of Khaleel Ahmed and Aaqib Khan put India A in control against India D with a remarkable display of fast bowling in the second round of the Duleep Trophy on Friday. Khaleel Ahmed, who has struggled to cement his place as a key pacer for India, is making significant strides after a decent outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), inching closer to a comeback in the national team.

Khaleel, fresh off a five-wicket haul in the first round of the Duleep Trophy, continued his form with the red ball. After being overlooked in favor of Yash Dayal for India's first Test against Bangladesh, the 26-year-old made a compelling case for his inclusion in the squad by dismantling India D's top-order with help from Aaqib Khan, who provided robust support. Khaleel's spell of eight overs was marked by late swing and bounce, unsettling the batsmen.

Khaleel's fiery bowling trapped Atharva Taide with a wild inswinger and dismissed India D captain Shreyas Iyer for a seven-ball duck. He further emulated Zaheer Khan to angle a delivery back into Ricky Bhui, finishing with figures of 3/39. Aaqib, relying on precision rather than pace, chipped in with critical breakthroughs, ending with figures of 3/41. Despite the star-studded lineup collapse, Devdutt Padikkal's 92 helped India D reach 183. India A's opening pair, Mayank Agarwal and Pratham Singh, forged a 115-run stand, ending the day with a lead of 222 runs.

Meanwhile, in the second game between India C and India B, Manav Suthar capitalized on Ishan Kishan's century, scoring his fourth First-Class half-century. Suthar's 82 led India C to a substantial total of 525. In response, skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran and Narayan Jagadeesan formed an unbeaten 124-run opening stand, with India B trailing by 401 runs.

(With inputs from agencies.)