NEW DELHI: While much of the attention was on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and his first appearance after a blockbuster IPL 2026 season, it was Ruturaj Gaikwad who once again reminded everyone of his class and consistency with a magnificent century for India A against Sri Lanka A in the tri-series one-day match on Monday.
Early Wickets Put India A in Trouble
India A were in early trouble after losing Sooryavanshi (14) and Prabhsimran Singh (2) cheaply, slipping to 16/2. With conditions far from ideal for batting due to persistent strong winds and a pitch offering assistance to the bowlers, the situation demanded experience and composure. Gaikwad delivered exactly that at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.
Gaikwad's Masterful Knock
The seasoned right-hander crafted a superb 101 off 114 balls, striking six fours and three sixes to anchor India's innings and guide them to a respectable 277 for six. It was his 21st List A century and another timely reminder of his ability to absorb pressure and build an innings when his side needs it the most.
Gaikwad-Tilak Partnership Steadies India A
Gaikwad found an able ally in skipper Tilak Varma (60 off 97 balls) as the duo stitched together a crucial 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket after India had slumped to 69/3. The pair relied heavily on singles and doubles in the initial phase, showing patience on a surface where stroke-making was not easy. The first real statement of intent came from Gaikwad when he launched spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth over mid-wicket for a six, a shot that also brought up his half-century in 66 balls. Having settled in, he gradually shifted gears and ensured the scoring rate kept moving.
Tilak played the perfect supporting role, often rotating the strike and allowing Gaikwad to dictate proceedings. The left-hander reached his fifty in 86 deliveries, bringing it up with a six over mid-off against pacer Garuka Sanketh.
Gaikwad eventually reached his hundred with a single off left-arm spinner Wanuj Sahan, drawing applause for a knock built on temperament, experience and smart shot selection. However, his stay ended soon after when he attempted to clear the deep mid-wicket boundary and was dismissed by the same bowler.
Tilak too departed shortly afterwards, bowled by pacer Mohamed Shiraz while attempting an audacious ramp shot. But the foundation laid by Gaikwad ensured India remained on course for a competitive total.
Badoni, Shedge Provide Late Flourish; Sooryavanshi Falls Early
Ayush Badoni (24 off 18 balls) and Suryansh Shedge (26 not out off 14 balls) provided the finishing touches with a brisk 46-run stand that carried India beyond the 270-run mark.
Earlier, Sooryavanshi showed glimpses of his explosive batting with three boundaries but failed to convert his start. The 15-year-old looked in good touch before an attempted bunt over mid-off off Shiraz found the hands of a diving Sahan Arachchige. Priyansh Arya contributed a run-a-ball 32 but was run out following a mix-up with Gaikwad.
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