Kamboj's Brilliant 8-Wicket Haul Highlights Drawn Match Between India C and India B

India C's second Duleep Trophy 2024-25 fixture ended in a draw against India B, with Haryana seamer Anshul Kamboj’s career-best 8 for 69 and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s second half-century of the match standing out on a slow final day in Anantapur.

Resuming the day at 309 for 7, India B were bowled out for 332, with Kamboj claiming the remaining three wickets. India B captain Abhimanyu Easwaran carried his bat for an impressive 157, as his side conceded a 193-run lead early on the fourth day.

Though India C had a chance to push for victory, they opted to secure first-innings points instead. At 128 for 4 after 37 overs, both captains decided to end the match.

Kamboj’s performance marked a turning point in his budding first-class career. Having never taken more than three wickets in an innings before, his remarkable eight-for became the second-best bowling figures by a fast bowler in Duleep Trophy history, behind Debasis Mohanty’s 10 for 46.

India C lost B Sai Sudharsan early, bowled by Mukesh Kumar for 11, but Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar built a 96-run stand for the second wicket. Patidar, following up his first-innings 40 with 42, was eventually dismissed by Musheer Khan’s left-arm spin.

Rahul Chahar then struck twice in quick succession, removing first-innings centurion Ishan Kishan for 1 and later dismissing Gaikwad. India C suffered a setback when pacer Sandeep Warrier left the field with a leg injury after bowling just 1.1 overs.

Manav Suthar, who took seven wickets in the first round of the tournament, went wicketless this time, with figures of 33-4-85-0. Musheer Khan, who had earned Player of the Match honours the previous week for his 181, managed just 1 run in this game, while Sarfaraz Khan, preparing to join the Indian Test squad, contributed 16.

The match concluded with India C settling for a draw.